Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does Prolonged Intake Of Nexium Result In Memory Loss And Alzheimers?
Question: I have been on Nexium 40mg for Gastsic Reflux and Hiatusl Hrenia for appx 10 years also have had
surgery for reflux esophagitis x 2. I am concerned about the latest research report on long term Rx with
Nexium as it possible may be linked with memory loss and alzheimers---What is your opinion on this?
YYYY@YYYY
surgery for reflux esophagitis x 2. I am concerned about the latest research report on long term Rx with
Nexium as it possible may be linked with memory loss and alzheimers---What is your opinion on this?
YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
An association, not a cause
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
I am Dr. Shuba Hariprasad. I would like to help by addressing your concerns.
Yes, Nexium (esomeprazole) has been linked/ associated with an increased risk of Dementia. However,the research does not state it as a direct cause of dementia.
Symptomatic reflux and evidence of gastritis warrants the use of PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) like nexsium to prevent long term complications and life threatening bleeding.
When administering a drug, the benefits are weighed against the risks and if the former is significantly more, compared to the latter, the medicine is administered.
You mentioned having two surgeries for Reflux esophagitis. Was it successful? Did you still have symptoms to warrant the use of PPIs on a long term basis.
I recommend talking to your doctor about this. If your symptoms are minimal and can be dealt with by lifestyle changes, stopping the drug would be ideal.
Long term PPIs are associated with malabsorption syndromes like hypocalcemia hypo magnesemia, Vit. B12 deficiency, which is clinically significant in the elderly.
Certain bacteria (clostridium difficile) also find it easier to infect us if the acidity levels are low. this can result in severe & difficult to treat infections..
On the other hand, if you still have symptoms of Reflux, which cannot be controlled with lifestyle changes alone, it would be advisable to continue medications as the dangers of ulcer related complications are more immediate and threatening that the "possibility of dementia/Alzheimer's".
Keeping your mind and body active , with a healthy, well balanced diet can help keep the memory loss, alzhemier's at bay.
I hope I've answered your query.
Please feel free to get back to us if you have further questions.
Wish you good health
An association, not a cause
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
I am Dr. Shuba Hariprasad. I would like to help by addressing your concerns.
Yes, Nexium (esomeprazole) has been linked/ associated with an increased risk of Dementia. However,the research does not state it as a direct cause of dementia.
Symptomatic reflux and evidence of gastritis warrants the use of PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) like nexsium to prevent long term complications and life threatening bleeding.
When administering a drug, the benefits are weighed against the risks and if the former is significantly more, compared to the latter, the medicine is administered.
You mentioned having two surgeries for Reflux esophagitis. Was it successful? Did you still have symptoms to warrant the use of PPIs on a long term basis.
I recommend talking to your doctor about this. If your symptoms are minimal and can be dealt with by lifestyle changes, stopping the drug would be ideal.
Long term PPIs are associated with malabsorption syndromes like hypocalcemia hypo magnesemia, Vit. B12 deficiency, which is clinically significant in the elderly.
Certain bacteria (clostridium difficile) also find it easier to infect us if the acidity levels are low. this can result in severe & difficult to treat infections..
On the other hand, if you still have symptoms of Reflux, which cannot be controlled with lifestyle changes alone, it would be advisable to continue medications as the dangers of ulcer related complications are more immediate and threatening that the "possibility of dementia/Alzheimer's".
Keeping your mind and body active , with a healthy, well balanced diet can help keep the memory loss, alzhemier's at bay.
I hope I've answered your query.
Please feel free to get back to us if you have further questions.
Wish you good health
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
