Researchers from the University of North Carolina (USA) have found a link between dementia and the use of heartburn pills. The results of the work of scientists are presented magazine Neurology.
According to doctors, such drugs suppress the work of the proton pump. This is an enzyme responsible for the production of hydrochloric acid by the parietal cells of the parietal glands of the stomach. Interruption of its work provides a permanent increase in stomach pH, minimizing the harmful effect of hydrochloric acid due to the occurrence of heartburn.
The authors followed the health status of approximately 6,000 patients for 5.5 years. Of these, about 600 experienced senile dementia. Analysis of the collected information showed that the constant use of drugs for heartburn increases the risk of developing dementia in old age by 33%.
However, despite the results, the researchers note that this study does not provide conclusive evidence of a causal relationship between the use of proton pump inhibitors and the development of dementia. More research is needed to confirm these results and elucidate the precise mechanism that might explain this association.
ancient scientists established life factors that increase the risk of developing dementia.