According to anesthetist Dr. Zain Hasan, there are five common prescription medications that can increase dementia risk. Dementia is a disease that slowly takes away your independence and memories and millions of people suffer from it across the globe. However, new research shows four in ten cases could be prevented by incorporating a few basic lifestyle changes.
Dementia Risk Factors
While many people are aware of the various factors that increase dementia risk, such as drinking and smoking. However, not many people are aware that using certain medications also increases your dementia risk. Dr. Hasan recently shared this news on TikTok, telling his 635,000 followers that there are five medications that increase their risk of developing dementia. This included certain painkillers, antihistamines, and antidepressants.
Antihistamines
The first medicine he mentioned in his warning was antihistamines, which are designed to alleviate allergy symptoms. He also included anticholinergics, which are medicines used to treat allergies. These drugs, some of which are supplied over the counter, are taken to treat eczema, hay fever, hives, and conjunctivitis, a condition that produces red, irritated eyes. While these medications may be useful for many people, they have also been proven to cause dementia. An American study from 2015 found that there is a greater chance of developing dementia if you were taking higher doses of anticholinergics.
Opiates
Opiates are another group of medicines that have been linked to dementia. They are often prescribed as pain relievers after surgery, major injury, or for cancer patients. If you take opiates like morphine on a daily basis, they affect your brain, causing sedation. Anything that results in sedation over time is likely to lead to dementia. A study from earlier this year found that people who had used opiates had a 15% higher dementia risk.
Omeprazole
Another medicine was omeprazole, which is typically prescribed to alleviate heartburn and indigestion. Not many people are aware of the potential dementia risks involved with taking this medication. Regularly using omeprazole can raise beta-amyloid levels in the brain, which can cause dementia. It reduces stomach acid by acting as a proton pump inhibitor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a kind of sedative medicine used for treating anxiety, sleeplessness, and seizures. Including brands such as Xanax and Valium, benzodiazepines are thought to increase your dementia risk if used for an extended period of time. A number of studies have found an association between the medication and dementia. In one benzodiazepine trial, researchers from Canada and France chose 2,000 participants with Alzheimer’s disease and 7,000 without it. The researchers discovered that people who used benzodiazepines for three to six months had a 32% higher risk of getting Alzheimer’s. Additionally, those who had taken them for longer than six months had an 84% higher dementia risk than those who hadn’t.
Tricyclics Antidepressants
The doctor also stated that taking tricyclic antidepressants could increase your dementia risk. This is a less frequently prescribed mental health medicine than SSRIs. He noted that, with the exception of omeprazole, all of these drugs have a direct effect on the brain. Tricyclic antidepressants are FDA-approved drugs used to treat the symptoms of severe depression. However, healthcare providers regularly prescribe it for other medical conditions like chronic pain and insomnia.
Speaking to Your Doctor
The doctor recommended that anyone taking these medications, particularly opioids and benzodiazepines, always consult with their doctor before discontinuing them. Dr. Hasan further advised anyone who is concerned about developing dementia in the future to consult a doctor about the potential risks. The UK currently is home to an estimated 982,000 individuals living with dementia. Quite worryingly, this figure is predicted to increase to 1.4 million by 2040. Alzheimer’s currently affects around 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older. It is believed that this figure could increase to 13.8 million by 2060.
The Bottom Line on Medications that Increase Your Dementia Risk
When it comes to reducing the risk of dementia awareness is vital. While medications like antihistamines, opiates, omeprazole, benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants can be essential for managing certain health conditions, they may also carry unintended dementia risks. Dr. Hasan’s advice acts as a reminder to exercise caution when using these medications, especially long-term. Always contact your doctor before changing your medication regimen, and address any concerns you have about dementia risks. By remaining informed and collaborating with your doctor, you may make decisions that benefit both your current health and your long-term cognitive well-being.
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