No Link Between Proton Pump Inhibitors and Dementia Risk

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are not associated with developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, reveals a new study.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medicines commonly prescribed to treat acid-related digestive problems, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD).

High Density Lipoproteins
HDL is a type of Lipoprotein. Lipoproteins, as the name suggests, are a class of biochemical compounds formed by a protein component and a lipid component.

‘Development of dementia or Alzheimer's disease is not associated with Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).’

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As of 2011, up to 1 in 5 older adults reported using a PPI. Although healthcare practitioners have long believed that PPIs are safe, recent studies have linked PPIs to potential risks, including fractures and kidney disease.

Some studies also have linked PPIs to an increased risk for dementia among older adults. However, several experts have suggested that these studies may not correctly measure the connection.

In a new research article published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, scientists were able to conclude that developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease (the most common form of dementia) did not appear to be linked to taking PPIs.

Proton Pump Inhibitors Linked to Chronic Kidney Disease
A study demonstrates a significant association between the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and increased risks of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.

The researchers reviewed information from the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study, which included 3,484 adults aged 65 and older. Participants did not have dementia at the beginning of the study and were followed for an average of about 7.5 years.

Researchers tested participants for dementia at the beginning of the study and then every two years. Those who tested positive were given complete evaluations to measure their abilities to think and make decisions.

Gut Microbiome Diversity Decreased by Proton Pump Inhibitors
Gut bacteria diversity was found to decrease with regular intake of proton pump inhibitors, increasing the risk of infections like clostridium difficile and pneumonia.

Researchers gave the participants who were diagnosed with dementia follow-up tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Researchers used information from the ACT study to learn how many participants took PPIs and for how long. Overall, almost 24 percent of study participants developed dementia.

Long-term Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Associated With Stomach Cancer
The prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors, drugs used to reduce gastric acidity, has been linked to the development of stomach cancer.

Of these individuals, just 670 people developed possible or probable Alzheimer’s disease. While other safety concerns with long-term PPI use exist, the researchers concluded that results from this study suggest that dementia is not linked to taking a PPI.

Source-Eurekalert