Antacid medications, known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), are commonly used to reduce stomach acid production.
However, a recent study from Copenhagen University Hospital and Aarhus University in Denmark has raised concerns about their potential association with an increased risk of dementia.
The Study
Published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the study investigated the link between PPI usage and dementia risk.
Researchers examined data from a nationwide Danish cohort of 1,983,785 individuals aged 60 to 75 between 2000 and 2018.
The study only included individuals without a prior dementia diagnosis or treatment with dementia-specific drugs.
During the study period, 99,384 individuals developed dementia, while 469,920 were part of the control group. The results showed a significant correlation between PPI use, the duration of use, and an increased risk of all-cause dementia.
For those aged 60 to 69 at diagnosis, the incidence rate ratio ranged from 1.25 to 1.59 depending on the duration of PPI use, with an overall ratio of 1.36 for those who ever used a PPI.
In the 70 to 79 and 80 to 89 age groups, the risk was slightly lower, with ratios of 1.12 and 1.06 for ever use, respectively.
No significant association between PPI use and dementia was observed in individuals over 89 years at diagnosis.
PPI exposure was linked to an increased rate of all-cause dementia occurring before the age of 90, regardless of when PPI treatment started. Longer cumulative PPI use resulted in higher risk estimates.
While these findings suggest an association between PPI use and dementia, it’s essential to note that it doesn’t necessarily mean that PPIs directly cause dementia. Several factors could be at play:
Reverse Causality: It’s possible that increased stomach acid production occurs early in the development of dementia, leading to the use of PPIs to alleviate symptoms.
Disruption: PPI treatments might be causing disruptions that contribute to the risk of dementia.
Gut-Brain Connection: The enteric nervous system, which consists of neuronal cells in the gastrointestinal system, plays a role in the gut-brain connection. Disruptions in one system could affect the other.
Moreover, correlations have been observed between Alzheimer’s disease and specific gut microbiota populations, adding complexity to the relationship.
The Need for Further Research
The study highlights the importance of further research to explore the mechanisms underlying the association between PPI use and dementia.
Additionally, it’s crucial to investigate whether this link varies among different subtypes of dementia.
While the study raises questions about the long-term use of PPIs, it’s essential for individuals to consult with their healthcare providers before making any changes to their medication regimen.
Balancing the management of gastric acid-related conditions with potential risks is a decision that should be made in consultation with medical professionals.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies that bad lifestyle habits can cause Alzheimer’s disease, and strawberries can be good defence against Alzheimer’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
The research findings can be found in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
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