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Suggest Treatment For Dementia While Treating Acid Reflux

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Posted on Mon, 20 Mar 2017
Question: HI SORRY ABOUT THAT AGAIN I AM ON OMERPRAZOLE FOR ACID REFLEX I HAVE BEEN TAKING THIS MEDICATION FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS AND IN MY COMSUMER BOOK I GET ON HEALTH IT SAID THAT TAKING THIS MEDICATION CAN CAUSE DEMENTIA IN SOME PEOPLE ABOUT 44% THAT''S SCAREY IS THAT TRUE?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
current studies are inconclusive

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

the simple answer to your question is that nobody knows yet... The data we have from studies are inconclusive so far. There is indeed a study that showed a 44% increase in risk for dementia in a group of patients using a proton pump inhibitor but this was not adequately designed to answer such a question. More studies would be required to provide an acceptable answer.

Let me clarify one more point: this 44% might mean that a patient taking omeprazole might have a 44% higher risk for dementia compared to a patient not taking omeprazole. It does not mean that 44 patients out of 100 will develop dementia! So even if it's true, it's not as scary as it sounds.

So in conclusion, there are not enough data to answer your question and be scientifically accurate at the same time. More studies would be required for that. Until then you'd better follow your doctor's advice. If your doctor believes that you should keep on using omeprazole then it's probably the best thing for you to do so!

Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3818 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Dementia While Treating Acid Reflux

Brief Answer: current studies are inconclusive Detailed Answer: Hello, the simple answer to your question is that nobody knows yet... The data we have from studies are inconclusive so far. There is indeed a study that showed a 44% increase in risk for dementia in a group of patients using a proton pump inhibitor but this was not adequately designed to answer such a question. More studies would be required to provide an acceptable answer. Let me clarify one more point: this 44% might mean that a patient taking omeprazole might have a 44% higher risk for dementia compared to a patient not taking omeprazole. It does not mean that 44 patients out of 100 will develop dementia! So even if it's true, it's not as scary as it sounds. So in conclusion, there are not enough data to answer your question and be scientifically accurate at the same time. More studies would be required for that. Until then you'd better follow your doctor's advice. If your doctor believes that you should keep on using omeprazole then it's probably the best thing for you to do so! Kind Regards!