Taking acid reflux medication for four and a half years or more may lead to a higher risk of dementia, US researchers say.
Acid reflux is when stomach acid leaks back into your food pipe, and it can cause a burning chest pain called heartburn.
It can also cause ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which can lead to esophageal cancer.
The latest study included more than 5,700 people aged 45 and older who did not have dementia at the start of the study.
The researchers divided the participants into four groups based on whether the participants received the drug. They were followed for an average duration of 5.5 years.
The researchers found that participants who took the drug for more than 4.4 years had a 33 percent higher risk of developing dementia.
But there was no higher risk for people who took the drugs for less than 4.4 years, the researchers said.
"While there are different ways to treat acid reflux, such as taking antacids, eating a healthy diet and avoiding late meals and certain foods, different approaches may not work for everyone," they said. researchers.
"It is important that people taking these medications speak to their doctor before making any changes, to discuss the best treatment for them, and because suddenly stopping these medications may result in worse symptoms."
