[Lifestyle] Doctor warns of five medications known to raise dementia risk

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A type of sedative drug used to treat anxiety, insomnia and seizures called benzodiazepines — such as Valium and Xanax — are thought to raise dementia risk if taken over a long period of time. 

Dr Hasan said: 'It makes sense, it goes into your central nervous system it numbs your entire brain, it helps with anxiety, it helps with alcohol withdrawal. 

'If you take them for a long period of time especially to help you sleep at night, they can induce dementia.'

Several studies have shown a link between the drug and dementia. In one benzodiazepine study a team of researchers from France and Canada selected 2,000 people with Alzheimer's disease and 7,000 without it. 

Researchers found those who had taken benzodiazepines for three to six months had a 32 per cent greater risk of developing Alzheimer's, and those taking one for more than six months had an 84 per cent greater risk than those who hadn't taken one. 

Dr Hasan also highlighted that taking tricyclics antidepressants (TCAs) — a less commonly prescribed mental health drug compared to SSRIs — could also cause dementia. 

He explained that the theme for all these medications is they directly impact your brain, with the exception  of omeprazole.

'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,' Dr Hasan warns.

He urged those who are taking these medications to always speak to a doctor before stopping, especially medications like opioids and benzodiazepines.

Dr Hasan also suggested those who are 'scared or worried about dementia in the future' to speak with a doctor about the risks. 

There are currently estimated to be 982,000 people with dementia in the UK. This number is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.

An estimated 6.7million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia today. This number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting between 50 and 75 per cent of those diagnosed. 

 

 

Doctor warns of five medications known to raise dementia risk