I enjoy reading dementia-related news reports and research publications from a variety of sources trying to learn as much as I can about this devastating disease. Of course, I am always hoping that someone will discover either the definitive cause or a promising cure. Until then, we keep moving forward as best as we can.
It was with a bit of alarm, then that I began seeing a slew of articles recently regarding the correlation between heartburn medicine and dementia. It seems that there was a German study reported recently with results suggesting that there might be an association between PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) and an elevated risk of developing dementia.
That really bothered me, as I get the occasional bout of heartburn and enjoy quick relief with an over the counter product. Wow, what a dilemma. Making a decision about whether to take a medicine now to prevent misery may cause a new type of misery later in life. That’s enough to cause anyone heartburn.
I did some more research. It turns out that even though a tremendous amount of attention has been given to this news report – to my relief – it seems that many of the headlines do not tell the entire story.
For one thing, it was a small study based on the follow-up of a smaller cohort study that had been reported in 2015. A much larger and longer study will need to be conducted in order to provide a better picture.
David A. Johnson, MD writing for New England Journal of Medicine’s ‘Journal Watch’ advises a cautious approach.
Thankfully, at least one doctor, Dr. Valerie Thompson adds that there’s a variety of other medications available that haven’t been linked to dementia, and that antacids were not used in the study, so that’s a relief.
Other studies have disagreed. I believe that the bottom line here is to stay as informed as possible, and if you do experience heartburn, try to take the smallest dose possible to get relief. In the meantime, here is a link to a slide show that provides tips to help avoid heartburn in the first place “Heartburn, Foods to What, Foods to Avoid”
Undoubtedly, more studies will emerge as time goes on…stay tuned.