What You Should Know About PPIs and Dementia Study

A recent study connected the prolonged use of PPIs and dementia. University Gastroenterology's Breton Roussel, MD discusses the outcome, why it should be taken with a grain of salt, and what you should do if you're currently taking PPIs.

[brambledemon]

I’m scared. I’ve been on pantoprazole for a long time and I’m having pretty serious memory issues. I have Barrett’s esophagus. Ugh.

[laurafloersch]

If you don't know for sure, why mention the potential risk of dementia. It seems that this will only scare people from taking PPI's. For some people it's the only thing that helps prevent GI issues and even GI cancer. Wouldn't it be better to discuss the side effects that we do know about with long term PPI use? And why not mention alternatives to PPI's like H2 Blockers like Famotidine or Tums, combo Pepcid AC?

[candacekerr]

I’m assuming that you do know there is an alternative to taking meds for this? Just go Carnivore!

[talitakumi]

Thank you for bringing up this question. I was prescribed Zoltex and have been taking it intermittently as needed, with a good effect of 2 days after 40mg, and while taking it, I had no problems with acid reflux or stinging pain somewhere in my esophagus (always the same area, awfully painful). I was told to be taking it for a short period of time until the irritation, inflamation in my esophagus calms down, but it keeps on reocurring when I stop taking Zoltex (pantoprazol) (could be my fault as I take too much coffee!). I found a quick and efficient remedy: (at least) 5 almonds (cut in thin leaves in order not to break my teath!) or grated into powder. It really helps immediately. Is there an alternative to Zoltex without its side effects?