There could be an association between the use of proton pump inhibitors and dementia in the elderly, according to a recent German study.
Here are four things to know:
1. The study authors examined claims data from a German health plan.
2. Researchers identified several factors that were significantly associated with increased dementia risk, including depression and stroke.
3. Diabetes and taking five or more prescription drugs other than the PPI were also associated with significantly increased risk of dementia.
4. The American College of Gastroenterology urges patients to discuss the use of PPIs and any other medication with their healthcare provider.
"We appreciate and respect the data in the study, but believe more research is needed to understand the impact of PPIs on cognitive function, especially since studies of this type do not control for diet or lifestyle factors, nor do they establish causation," siad Kenneth R. DeVault, MD, FACG, president of the American College of Gastroenterology.