Good Lifestyle

Dementia is a frightening thing, affecting more than 6 million Americans and putting more than half of the population over 55 at the risk of developing cognitive disease. Fortunately, modern medical research shows that you can Reduce your risk By not smoking, by maintaining a healthy weight, by remaining socially and physically active and by controlling the conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

However, several new studies show that, without most people, taking certain drugs can increase its chances of developing dementia, the most common form of which is Alzheimer's disease. And the latest research suggests that gabapentine drug can considerably increase the risk of dementia.

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Scientists say gabapentin could increase the risk of 85%cognitive disability.

In a new study published in the journal Regional anesthesia and pain medication , the researchers have concluded that those who take gabapentine are at a significantly increased risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia.

They analyzed health files of around 52,000 patients with chronic low back pain. Between 2004 and 2024, half of the patients were prescribed gabapentine to treat their nervous pain, unlike the other half. Those who have an earlier use of gabapentine, dementia, epilepsy, cerebral vascular accidents or cancer have been excluded.

It should be noted that gabapentine is also prescribed for crises, although these patients were not included in the study. It is also worth understanding that gabapentine is often prescribed for pain linked to nerves because it is considered non -addictive, unlike opioids.

The results of the study showed the following:

• Those who filled 6 Gabapentine or more orders had a 29% of the increased risk of dementia and a 85% of the increased risk of light cognitive impairment Within 10 years of their diagnosis of chronic pain.
• Those who filled 12 or more gabapentine prescriptions had an increased risk of 40% dementia and an increased risk of 65% light cognitive impairment, compared to those prescribed by Gabapentine 3 to 11 times.
• Non -aged adults (aged 18 to 64) taking gabapentine had more than twice the risk of dementia and light cognitive disability. More precisely, 35 to 49 years old Gabapentine took twice as much risk of dementia and three times the risk of light cognitive disorders.

The researchers point out that it was an observational study, which means that they cannot confirm a cause and a direct effect.

However, they concluded via a press release: “Our results indicate an association between the prescription of Gabapentine and dementia or cognitive disorders in the 10 years. In addition, an increased frequency of prescription from Gabapentine is correlated with the impact of dementia. ”

"Our results support the need for close monitoring of adult patients have prescribed gabapentine to assess the potential cognitive decline," they added.

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Additional research warns that PPI can be linked to the risk of dementia.

As Best life recently reported, an unsuccessful study published in Alzheimer's and dementia: the newspaper of the Alzheimer's association noted that inhibitors of the Proton pump (PPI) Increased risk of dementia .

PPIs are commonly taken for stomach burns, acid reflux, stomach ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) reflux and are prescribed under the brand names Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium.

The study revealed that people diagnosed with dementia between 60 and 69 years were a risk of dementia at 36% higher if they took PPI.

Moreover, Another study suggested that PPI can go through the blood-brain barrier, causing neurological symptoms, including memory disorders, migraines, peripheral neuropathies and visual and auditory neurosensory anomalies.

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Even certain over -the -counter drugs can contribute to dementia.

On the counter anticholinergic drugs Like Benadryl, Tylenol PM, UNISOM Gelets and drama have also been linked to an increased risk of dementia.

According to Cleveland clinic , "Anticholinergic drugs are a class of drugs that interfere with the way your body uses a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Neurotransmitters are like signals or messengers that your cells and body systems use to communicate. Anticholinergic drugs have essentially set, limit or block this communication. ”

In other words, "anticholinergic drugs have short -term cognitive negative effects", notes a study published in the journal Jama internal medicine .

However, this study also revealed that people aged 65 and over who regularly took these drugs for three years or more were 54% more likely to develop dementia than participants who took them for three months or less.