Acid-Blockers Again Linked to Dementia & Depression

Time again to re-consider your medicine cabinet.

Some widely-advertised over-the-counter acid blockers are again being linked with dementia and depression.

One common drug group used to treat indigestion and GERD are 'proton-pump inhibitors' (also called PPIs) and includes the brandnames Nexium, Prilosec, Prontonix, Prevacid and Aciphex. (Generic names include omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, dexlansoprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole, dexrabeprazole and ilaprazole).

PPIs carry a long list of serious adverse complications, including increased bone fractures, kidney or liver impairment, heart attacks, increased incidence of C. diff infection and B12 insufficiency. They've also been linked 'off-and-on' to dementia.

The link between PPI use and dementia has been controversial for 20 years. Multiple research reports have proclaimed a direct link, multiple other reports have reputed the association.

A new review study, published in the 'Frontiers of Neurology,' again directly associates long-term use of PPIs with the onset of dementia and depression in the elderly. It also warns of growing concern for young adults, linking PPI use to impaired cognitive function and depression. The study encourages physicians and pharmacists to look more critically at the risks vs. benefits of PPI use.

In light of the continuing controversy, it may behoove PPI users to proceed with caution and to explore other treatment modalities.

Your healthcare practitioner may chose to recommend gastroenterological products that carry minimal risk to the central nervous system (like an H2 blocker or antacid medicine such as Tums or Maalox).

Lifestyle changes may also help in alleviation of GERD symptoms (such as smoking cessation, dietary improvements, weight reduction, regular exercise, wear loose clothing, eat smaller food portions, or sleep on the left side, etc.). Your health coach can be of great assistance in identifying and adopting long-lasting changes that may just help you replace the need for PPI medications.

[Source for research nerds and naysayers: https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2018.01142]

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