A study published this week in the British Medical Journal reported that use of benzodiazepines increased the risk of developing dementia. Researchers followed over 1000 participants who had been free of dementia for three years prior to the start of the study. For 15 years, they tracked medication usage and cognitive status. They also took into account other factors such as age, gender, diabetes, high blood pressure, education level and more.
The results? A history of any use of benzodiazepines was connected with a 50% higher chance of developing dementia. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer's, but other types include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia and more.
These findings are consistent with three other previous studies; however, this current study provides a stronger link between benzodiazepine use and dementia. The length of the other studies was shorter, thus allowing for the possibility that the dementia could have already been in the early stages and the benzodiazepines prescribed for symptoms of dementia. Reverse causation- that underlying cognitive changes were happening but undetected and thus caused an increase in anxiety- is possible here as well, but the study's longevity in following its participants reduces that likelihood.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are medications that typically are prescribed to treat anxiety. They include the popular drugs of Ativan and Xanax, as well as Valium and Klonopin. Caution is indicated in use with the elderly because of the potential side effects of increased falls, lethargy and confusion. Benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed to treat insomnia, and are recommended for short-term usage only since long-term use can lead to dependence on the drug.
Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed to older adults; however, there is growing concern because the recommendations of caution for use in older adults may be minimized or ignored at times. According to the researchers, "Our data add to the accumulating evidence that use of benzodiazepines is associated with increased risk of dementia, which, given the high and often chronic consumption of these drugs in many countries, would constitute a substantial public health concern."
For more information on benzodiazepines, visit the About.com A-Z Drug Finder.