A commonly used medication may be linked to a higher risk of dementia, according to researchers studying the long-term effects of proton pump inhibitors, also known as PPIs.

The medications – including Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, and Pantoprazole – are widely prescribed to treat acid reflux and heartburn. Doctors typically recommend taking PPIs once a day for a limited period. Long-term use, however, has previously been associated with a growing list of potential side effects – including a possible increased risk of dementia.

A 2023 study found that people who used PPIs over an extended period were 33 percent more likely to develop dementia, according to LadBible. American scientists analyzed data from 5,712 adults between the ages of 45 and 64 who did not have dementia at the beginning of the study. Nearly 1,500 participants – about 26 percent – were taking PPIs.

Omeprazole side effects
After accounting for factors including age, race, sex, and existing health conditions, researchers noticed a pattern among long-term users of the medications. Of the 497 people who had taken PPIs for roughly four and a half years, 58 later developed dementia.

“This study does not prove that acid reflux drugs cause dementia,” neurologist Dr Kamakshi Lakshminarayan said, according to LadBible. “It only shows an association.

“More research is needed to confirm our findings in other large study groups and understand the possible link between long-term proton pump inhibitor use and higher risk of dementia.

“While we did not find a link with short-term use, we did find a higher risk of dementia associated with long-term use of these drugs.”

Researchers have also explored possible explanations for the connection.

“Some studies have shown that use of acid reflux drugs may be associated with low B12 levels,” Dr. Lakshminarayan explained. “And low B12 is associated with impaired thinking and poor memory.”

However, she added that she “could not comment on this theory” because B12 levels were not measured among participants in the study.

“These medications increase amyloid in the brain”
Dr. Gregory Day, an associate professor in the Department of Neurology at the Mayo Clinic, said the theory is still considered plausible.

He reportedly told CBS News that PPIs may “alter enzymes in the brain” responsible for regulating amyloid – a protein strongly linked to the brain damage seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

According to him, the medications may “decrease the level of the body’s chemical that is there to cut off the amyloid in specific ways.”

“In theory, these medications increase amyloid in the brain, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and Alzheimer’s is the number one cause of dementia,” he said.

Despite the findings, experts stress that patients should not suddenly stop taking prescribed medications without speaking to a doctor first.

“While there are various ways to treat acid reflux, such as taking antacids, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding late meals and certain foods, different approaches may not work for everyone,” Dr. Lakshminarayan said.

“It is important that people taking these medications speak with their doctor before making any changes, to discuss the best treatment for them, and because stopping these drugs abruptly may result in worse symptoms.”