Battling dementia
A study published by Jama Internal Medicine identified key predictors of battling dementia by the age 80, including poor physical health, diabetes, obesity, stroke, lack of hobbies, and inactivity. The study also analyzed the impact of various medications.
Prescribed for pain
Opiates like morphine, often prescribed for pain, may raise dementia risk. A study of 21,000 patients found opiate users had a 15% higher likelihood of developing it.
Affect your brain
Dr. Zain Hasan said, “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.”
Recommend lifestyle changes
RAND researchers recommend lifestyle changes such as exercising, working longer, and engaging in hobbies to battle the onset of dementia. They have also stressed the importance of regular cognitive assessments.
Benzodiazepines, used for anxiety and insomnia
Benzodiazepines, used for anxiety and insomnia, may numb the brain over time. Studies show long-term use raises dementia risk by up to 84%.
Central nervous system
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.”
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants, which cross the blood-brain barrier, may also increase dementia risk when used for extended periods, according Hasan. Hasan stated, “If you take them for a long period of time especially to help you sleep at night, they can induce dementia.”
Affect your brain
Hasan said, “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.”
Cognitive decline
Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole for heartburn, can increase beta-amyloid in the brain. This protein buildup is associated with cognitive decline.
Increase the amount of beta-amyloid
Hasan stated, “If you take omeprazole regularly it can increase the amount of beta-amyloid in your brain, which can lead to dementia.”
Proton pump inhibitor
Hasan added, “It works as a proton pump inhibitor, it decreases acid inside your stomach. It is actually surprising to me, I had no idea it was linked to dementia.”