PPI Use Not Linked to Dementia

No association was observed between use of a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) and cognitive function, according to a recent analysis of data from the Nurses’ Health Study II.

Previous research has indicated that PPI use may be associated with dementia. However, limited data is available.
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To further explore this topic, researchers used prospectively collected data from 13,864 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study II who completed self-administered computerized neuropsychological tests.

Overall, a modest association between the duration of PPI use and scores for psychomotor speed and attention were observed. After controlling for H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) use, the magnitude of this score was attenuated. In participants who did not regularly use PPIs, duration of H2RA use was associated with poorer cognitive scores.

“In an analysis of data from the Nurses’ Health Study II, we did not observe a convincing association between PPI use and cognitive function. Our data do not support the suggestion that PPI use increases dementia risk. Since our primary hypothesis related to PPI use, our findings for H2RAs should be interpreted with caution.”

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Lochhead P, Hagan K, Joshi AD, et al. Association between proton pump inhibitor use and cognitive function in women [published online July 18, 2017 ] Gastro. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2017.06.061.