Are your medications putting you at risk for dementia? The 5 common drugs you need to check right now!
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As we age, we often find ourselves relying on various medications to manage our health conditions. But what if the very drugs meant to aid us could potentially harm us in the long run?
This is a question that's been raised by recent medical research, as common prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs increase the risk for conditions like dementia. Are there silent threats existing in your cabinets?
It's a sobering thought that the medications we trust could be silently increasing our risk of dementia, a condition that affects millions and can devastate lives and families. Dementia gradually erodes memory and the ability to carry out the simplest tasks, leaving many dependent on caregivers.
Dr. Zain Hasan, a Los Angeles-based anesthetist, has raised the alarm on social media, sharing with his followers that certain common medications, including some antidepressants, painkillers, and allergy medications, have been linked to an increased risk of dementia.
Dr. Hasan's warning is not to be taken lightly, as it's backed by scientific studies. Here are the five types of medications that you should be aware of:
1. Antihistamines and Anticholinergics: Often used to treat allergies, these medications are readily available over the counter. However, studies have shown that long-term use could be linked to dementia.
A 2015 US study found a correlation between higher doses of anticholinergics and the development of dementia. Similarly, a 2024 study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found a dose-dependent increase in dementia risk associated with antihistamines.
2. Opiates: Commonly prescribed for pain relief post-surgery or for chronic conditions, opiates can affect brain function. Regular use, especially over a long period, has been associated with an increased risk of dementia. A 2024 study found that opiate users had a 15% higher risk of developing dementia compared to non-users.
According to Dr. Hasan, “This is pretty common knowledge, but if you take any opiates like morphine regularly they affect your brain, they cause sedation and anything that causes sedation for a long period of time can probably end up causing dementia.”
3. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These medications, including omeprazole, are widely used for treating indigestion and heartburn. “If you take omeprazole regularly it can increase the amount of beta-amyloid in your brain, which can lead to dementia,” said Dr. Hasan. “It works as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), it decreases acid inside your stomach. It is actually surprising to me, I had no idea it was linked to dementia.”
Surprisingly, they have been linked to an increased risk of dementia. A 2023 study in the journal American Academy of Neurology reported that long-term users of PPIs had a 33% higher risk of developing dementia.
4. Benzodiazepines: Used for treating anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, these sedative drugs such as Valium and Xanax can have long-term effects on the brain. Studies have shown that prolonged use of benzodiazepines significantly increases the risk of dementia.
Dr. Hasan warned that, “If you take them for a long period of time especially to help you sleep at night, they can induce dementia.”
5. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): While less commonly prescribed than SSRIs, TCAs can also pose a risk of dementia. These medications impact the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier and can have sedative effects over time.
The common theme among these medications is their direct impact on the brain, aside from omeprazole or PPIs. Anything that sedates the brain for an extended period, including anesthesia, can potentially lead to dementia.
Dr. Hasan stated that “They all affect your brain–they cross the blood brain barrier, anything that sedates your brain for a long period of time including anesthesia can cause dementia.”
Source: @doctoraz / Tiktok.
If you're currently taking any of these medications, Dr. Hasan advises to consult with your healthcare provider about your concerns, especially if your medications are opioids or benzodiazepines. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits and explore alternative treatments if necessary.
Have you or a loved one experienced concerns about medications and dementia risk? Do you have strategies for managing your medications or tips for maintaining brain health? Share your stories and insights in the comments below!
This is a question that's been raised by recent medical research, as common prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs increase the risk for conditions like dementia. Are there silent threats existing in your cabinets?
It's a sobering thought that the medications we trust could be silently increasing our risk of dementia, a condition that affects millions and can devastate lives and families. Dementia gradually erodes memory and the ability to carry out the simplest tasks, leaving many dependent on caregivers.
Dr. Zain Hasan, a Los Angeles-based anesthetist, has raised the alarm on social media, sharing with his followers that certain common medications, including some antidepressants, painkillers, and allergy medications, have been linked to an increased risk of dementia.
Dr Zain Hasan warns of common medications that could increase the risk of dementia, including some antidepressants, painkillers, and allergy meds. Image source: Pexels / Castorly Stock.
Dr. Hasan's warning is not to be taken lightly, as it's backed by scientific studies. Here are the five types of medications that you should be aware of:
1. Antihistamines and Anticholinergics: Often used to treat allergies, these medications are readily available over the counter. However, studies have shown that long-term use could be linked to dementia.
A 2015 US study found a correlation between higher doses of anticholinergics and the development of dementia. Similarly, a 2024 study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found a dose-dependent increase in dementia risk associated with antihistamines.
2. Opiates: Commonly prescribed for pain relief post-surgery or for chronic conditions, opiates can affect brain function. Regular use, especially over a long period, has been associated with an increased risk of dementia. A 2024 study found that opiate users had a 15% higher risk of developing dementia compared to non-users.
According to Dr. Hasan, “This is pretty common knowledge, but if you take any opiates like morphine regularly they affect your brain, they cause sedation and anything that causes sedation for a long period of time can probably end up causing dementia.”
3. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These medications, including omeprazole, are widely used for treating indigestion and heartburn. “If you take omeprazole regularly it can increase the amount of beta-amyloid in your brain, which can lead to dementia,” said Dr. Hasan. “It works as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), it decreases acid inside your stomach. It is actually surprising to me, I had no idea it was linked to dementia.”
Surprisingly, they have been linked to an increased risk of dementia. A 2023 study in the journal American Academy of Neurology reported that long-term users of PPIs had a 33% higher risk of developing dementia.
4. Benzodiazepines: Used for treating anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, these sedative drugs such as Valium and Xanax can have long-term effects on the brain. Studies have shown that prolonged use of benzodiazepines significantly increases the risk of dementia.
Dr. Hasan warned that, “If you take them for a long period of time especially to help you sleep at night, they can induce dementia.”
5. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): While less commonly prescribed than SSRIs, TCAs can also pose a risk of dementia. These medications impact the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier and can have sedative effects over time.
The common theme among these medications is their direct impact on the brain, aside from omeprazole or PPIs. Anything that sedates the brain for an extended period, including anesthesia, can potentially lead to dementia.
Dr. Hasan stated that “They all affect your brain–they cross the blood brain barrier, anything that sedates your brain for a long period of time including anesthesia can cause dementia.”
Source: @doctoraz / Tiktok.
If you're currently taking any of these medications, Dr. Hasan advises to consult with your healthcare provider about your concerns, especially if your medications are opioids or benzodiazepines. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits and explore alternative treatments if necessary.
Have you or a loved one experienced concerns about medications and dementia risk? Do you have strategies for managing your medications or tips for maintaining brain health? Share your stories and insights in the comments below!
