Benzodiazepines May Boost Risk of Dementia

Could anxiety pills increase the risk of dementia? Recent findings published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) show that benzodiazepine users may be more likely to develop dementia than others not using this medication.

The latest findings examined the long-term use of this medication among elderly residents living in Canada, showing that using the pills for three months or longer increased the risk of Alzheimer's disease by up to 51 percent.

Research also showed that a dose-response relationship between benzodiazepines and the neurodegenerative disorder increased dementia risk with longer exposure to the drug, particularly when compared to longer-acting ones than shorter-doses.

Furthermore, these findings held true when adjusting for certain mental health issues, such as anxiety, sleep disorders, and even depression.

Researchers said they believe the findings are of major importance for public health, particularly of the importance regarding benzodiazepine use among elderly populations and increasing dementia rates throughout the country.

"It is now crucial to encourage physicians to carefully balance the benefits and risks when initiating or renewing a treatment with benzodiazepines and related products in elderly patients," researchers concluded, via a news release.

With this and future information, researchers hope to bring more information regarding this and other information on the urgent health matter.