Do Benzodiazepines Cause Dementia?

Benzodiazepines are a type of medication prescribed to people with anxiety and panic disorders. But do they cause dementia? In this video, I talk about the research on benzodiazepines and dementia, and what it means for people taking these medications.

REFERENCES:
Allison, C, and J A Pratt. “Neuroadaptive processes in GABAergic and glutamatergic systems in benzodiazepine dependence.” Pharmacology & therapeutics vol. 98,2 (2003): 171-95. doi:10.1016/s0163-7258(03)00029-9

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Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.

[melanied]

I'm 18months off now and I'm discovering more and more memories that were once lost return.

[jameseclipts]

Finally a real deal video and not a short ! I love your videos. I wish I was able to set up with your office and see you as an actual Dr.. your videos have helped me more than any therapist or psychiatrist that I've ever had ❤️

[crisis]

I've been on benzos daily for over 10 years, mostly Valium, and yes, it was all prescribed, and my current doctors are trying to undo years of damage. I've been tapering off since last year, and it's not over yet. I've always had memory issues, but never as bad as they are now, and I'm not even 30 yet. So glad to see more awareness for this issue being spread out there, it NEEDS to be said.

[FractalXx.]

I stared taking Xanax last year around may and fast-forward 5 months later I was still on it I don't even remember that period I was using it, made me depressed more anxious, 11 months since that and I'm clean started mindfulness training and gym helps a lot with depression and anxiety. Thanks for this video Doc ❤️

[annayermilov]

I am in the process of tapering off of Valium after being on Xanax and then Valium for anxiety for years. I’ve been tapering for almost 4 years now and am on my last few months. I appreciate you bringing this to light as it’s definitely not talked about enough.

[bribaxterherrick]

Dr Marks, I will never be able to fully express how much help you have been to me and improving my life overall. Even from a distance, by video and book, you continue to fill my toolbox with invaluable pieces to navigate any obstacle. Please keep up the work, this is your true calling. Be prepared for my first novel to feature you in the dedication page!

[thehoop]

I was on benzos since 96. I began tapering super slowly in 2013. I've been off 5 years and it has not gotten better. It took 4 and a half years to taper off Klonopin 6mg. I was a registered nurse. I can't work in that field because my memory is shot. I feel like I have early onset dementia or Alzheimer's. I really want compensation for the crap I going through. I weaned slowly on MY OWN and still suffered withdrawal for 2 years after. So my experience says yes they do cause cognitive decline. My memory was great while I was on them. Not now. I am not a Dr but my experience trump's any Drs objective findings. And I know MANY more who are in the same boat.

[paulrodriguez]

My Mother who was a very intelligent woman. Contracted dementia from a stroke. She first started to lose her short term memory, and then it got worse over the next few years. She died in 2011. It was hard watching that happen to her. All we could do was pray to God. We were absolutely helpless in trying to help her. So I am glad you are addressing this illness. I don't wish this on anyone.

[hecklerkoch]

Diet and Exercise WILL help with this issue. I've been on Xanax and Ativan for over 20 years(taken daily) with Effexor as an SNRI. I Exercise Daily(60 minuteson a treadmill), and extremely limit my sugar intake. It's also very important to keep electrolytes in check. I drink Biolyte every morning for this. Benzos saved my life, I'm not a doctor, but do extensive research on all my medical problems. DIET AND EXERCISE FOLKS.

[kimberlykay]

This exact same thing happened to my mother! She’s a shell of what she used to be in myself and my family are all worried sick and it’s been like two years now. It’s really hard to see her like this she just rocks in a chair all day. Sometimes when I called them and she answers I forget that she’s not the same and it just crushes me

[jeffcorp]

The longer, more detailed videos are amazing. The short videos are even more amazing and helpful, especially for ADD/ADHD/ETC.

[dianegiordano]

Dr. Marks you are amazing. Thank you for taking the time to break down to us what other Dr's simply don't have the time or refuse to take the time to do. Much-needed and much appreciated .

[beverlyallison]

My mom has been on klonopin for anxiety for 40 years and she has dementia . Her body is healthy

[sebastienbrunois]

I've been taking Valium since 10 years now, and I also used to be addicted to alcohol. I have ASD, I am on 30/40mg per day of Valium and it's really, really difficult not to take it because my anxiety is unbearable... I wish one day I could wear off from Valium, but I confess that I have no hope, because I can't see any other solutions... It's really hard.

At a time I was at 20mg per day but my anxiety increase with the time. I'm 27 now. I don't know what to do... I've been trying everything, like massages, ASMR, meditation... Nothing works.

I hope one day I will be less anxious and feeling at least "normal"... Anyway, thank you for your videos, it helps me a lot ! :)

Sébastien.

[OGSarah]

This is very informative but also scary. Thank you for explaining this in such great detail. I have to take benzos when I have dental work and I’m glad to know that the “hangover “ feeling I have after the meds have worn off is very real.

[Laura-sehc]

Interesting since this is exactly what I'm going through now. After several years of taking daily benzo and after contracting covid, I have been struggling with cognitive functioning. Thank you for helping to confirm.

[lindajohnsonkaplan]

My mother began taking benzodiazepines in 1993 and still takes them daily. At one point she was taking two different prescriptions at the same time.
Her cognitive decline has been noticeable and over the last 10 years she’s no longer the same person. After reading several studies including one from Harvard School of Medicine I spoke with my parents about this problem repeatedly and also her prescribing psychiatrists. Her psychiatrist acknowledged the danger and risk of cognitive decline But the only thing that changed was a recent lowering in dosage and the elimination of one of the prescriptions.
This was preventable and yes the decades of benzodiazepines were the cause.

[CheerfulNihilism]

My mom is a retired geriatric ARNP, when I was prescribed benzos she said they're a "dirty drug" because they end up making anxiety worse.

I weaned myself off too quickly - I still had a small cluster of seizures. I will never take a drug like that again.

[Sears]

Xanax 25 years. Tapered off, my memory is perfect and I’m 71.

[universale]

I had to really trick my brain to come off benzos because I had OCD and the reassurance made it tough but i did it. I went down to dust with rivotril. By the way you can see that this doctor puts her heart and soul into her videos.