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New use of benzodiazepines has been associated with risk for dementia (NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 1 2012 and BMJ 2014; 349:g5205). Now, researchers have conducted a prospective population-based cohort study in 3400 older adults (age, ≥65) without dementia at baseline to determine whether higher total use of benzodiazepines is associated with greater risk for dementia and faster cognitive decline. Cumulative use was expressed as total standardized daily doses (TSDDs) dispensed during a 10-year period. Notably, the most recent year of use was excluded because of possible use of benzodiazepines for prodromal symptoms of dementia.
After a mean follow-up of 7.3 years, 23% of participants developed dementia (predominantly Alzheimer disease). Compared wit…