Proton-Pump Inhibitors and Dementia Risk: Again, Negative Findings

Nationwide Finnish registry data show no link between PPIs and Alzheimer disease.

The suggestion that dementia is associated with the use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been a tremendous concern for patients. Two retrospective German analyses suggesting the link were limited by use of a claims-based definition of dementia.

In a nested case-control study of Finland's nationwide healthcare registry, researchers evaluated PPI exposure among approximately 71,000 patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and 283,000 matched controls. Per Finnish clinical guidelines, patients with suspected cognitive disorders are referred to a specialist, and if the diagnosis of AD is confirmed — using a strict diagnostic protocol and international criteria — they receive antidementia drugs.

Given the long latency of AD, and to control for rev…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors