10.31.23
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a class of medications used to treat heartburn, are associated with a significant increased risk of incident dementia, according to results from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which tracked exposure to PPIs in addition to other factors.
The ARIC study differed from previous studies investigating this association, but other research on the matter focused largely on Asian or white populations, making the results non-generalizable.
Over the course of five visits, members of the study population were assessed by researchers using neuropsychological examinations, and screening tools completed during biannual phone call follow-ups, death records, and hospital discharge notes. A panel of neuropsychologists and physicians confirmed suspected cases of dementia.
The results were then adjusted for other variables and co-morbidities, such as age, race, sex, smoking behavior, BMI, the use of aspirin, vitamin B12, anti-hypertensive medications, blood pressure, and fasting glucose levels.
Those who cumulatively used PPIs over a media follow-up period of 5.5 years had a 33% increased risk of dementia in the later years of life. Individuals who had been using PPIs for over 4.4 years also had a comparatively higher risk of dementia compared to those who didn’t.
It’s theorized that PPI use may impact dementia via two potential mechanisms, which include decreases in levels of vitamin B12 and secretions of y-secretase enzyme, the latter of which is involved in accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
The Need for Natural Alternatives
Chronic PPI use is growing rapidly, having reached over 50% usage rates for those over the age of 65 according to some estimates.
Aside from a potential association with dementia risk, chronic use of PPIs has been implicated as a potential risk factor in a number of other diseases and complications. These include a rebound effect in which stomach acid increases, hypochlorhydria, multiple nutrient deficiencies, kidney disease, and more.
These emerging findings underscore the need for natural alternatives for the long-term maintenance of digestive health, according to supplement company Enzymedica, which specializes in digestive support products.
"It is disheartening and concerning to hear about the results of this latest study linking heartburn medications and dementia, especially considering there are so many people using them on a long-term basis - far longer than indicated. The good news is that there are all-natural, safe solutions to help people with occasional indigestion and heartburn," said Ryan Sensenbrenner, senior director of marketing at Enzymedica. "In addition to food, diet and lifestyle choices, some great suggestions for relieving occasional heartburn include looking for products that include betaine, zinc carnosine and/or alginate, like Enzymedica's entire suite of products indicated to provide instant relief to soothe and protect the digestive system."
The ARIC study differed from previous studies investigating this association, but other research on the matter focused largely on Asian or white populations, making the results non-generalizable.
Over the course of five visits, members of the study population were assessed by researchers using neuropsychological examinations, and screening tools completed during biannual phone call follow-ups, death records, and hospital discharge notes. A panel of neuropsychologists and physicians confirmed suspected cases of dementia.
The results were then adjusted for other variables and co-morbidities, such as age, race, sex, smoking behavior, BMI, the use of aspirin, vitamin B12, anti-hypertensive medications, blood pressure, and fasting glucose levels.
Those who cumulatively used PPIs over a media follow-up period of 5.5 years had a 33% increased risk of dementia in the later years of life. Individuals who had been using PPIs for over 4.4 years also had a comparatively higher risk of dementia compared to those who didn’t.
It’s theorized that PPI use may impact dementia via two potential mechanisms, which include decreases in levels of vitamin B12 and secretions of y-secretase enzyme, the latter of which is involved in accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
The Need for Natural Alternatives
Chronic PPI use is growing rapidly, having reached over 50% usage rates for those over the age of 65 according to some estimates.
Aside from a potential association with dementia risk, chronic use of PPIs has been implicated as a potential risk factor in a number of other diseases and complications. These include a rebound effect in which stomach acid increases, hypochlorhydria, multiple nutrient deficiencies, kidney disease, and more.
These emerging findings underscore the need for natural alternatives for the long-term maintenance of digestive health, according to supplement company Enzymedica, which specializes in digestive support products.
"It is disheartening and concerning to hear about the results of this latest study linking heartburn medications and dementia, especially considering there are so many people using them on a long-term basis - far longer than indicated. The good news is that there are all-natural, safe solutions to help people with occasional indigestion and heartburn," said Ryan Sensenbrenner, senior director of marketing at Enzymedica. "In addition to food, diet and lifestyle choices, some great suggestions for relieving occasional heartburn include looking for products that include betaine, zinc carnosine and/or alginate, like Enzymedica's entire suite of products indicated to provide instant relief to soothe and protect the digestive system."
