July 5, 2016 — A study published in JAMA Neurology has found that people who routinely use heartburn drugs like Prilosec are 44% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.
The study was published by researchers in Germany who looked at medical records on 73,679 people who were aged 75 or older. From 2004-2011, 29,510 people were diagnosed with dementia, including 2,950 who routinely used PPIs.
The study does not prove that PPIs cause dementia. However, PPIs are known to cross the blood-brain barrier and they could have unanticipated side effects in the brain.
PPIs block the production of acid in every cell in the body. This can impair the body’s ability to rid itself of damaged proteins — the “garbage” that builds up as we age. Some experts believe they could impair the ability of the brain to get rid of protein accumulations associated with dementia, according to Scientific American.
PPIs decrease the amount of acid in the stomach, which can also make it harder to digest vitamins in food. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with dementia in other studies.
The list of severe side effects linked to PPIs continues to grow. In February, JAMA Internal Medicine published a study linking PPIs to a 20-50% increased risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Do I have a Prilosec Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Prilosec induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with kidney problems, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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