Monday, December 6, 2021

Dementia: Common over-the-counter medication linked to '44 percent' increased risk

 




DEMENTIA risk could rise by a whopping 44 percent if you take certain over-the-counter medication.  Express.co.uk / Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD.

"Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a medication to help reduce acid reflux," said Dr Glenville. "They are now thought to increase the risk of developing dementia by 44 percent because they increase the level of beta-amyloid in the brain." Experts at the Alzheimer's Association described beta-amyloid as a "microscopic brain protein". The amyloid hypothesis is that the sticky compound accumulates in the brains of dementia patients, disrupting communication between brain cells.

The Alzheimer's Society added: "According to the amyloid hypothesis, these stages of beta-amyloid aggregation disrupt cell-to-cell communication and activate immune cells.

"These immune cells trigger inflammation. Ultimately, the brain cells are destroyed."

Dr Glenville warned there are "several" other over-the-counter medicine that could have an impact on the way the brain works.

Anticholinergics – found in treatments for colds, flu, heartburn, and sleep problems – "block the chemical acetylcholine that your body needs to transmit electrical impulses between nerve cells".

Read More at Express.co.uk

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