A commonly used medication may be linked to a higher risk of dementia, according to researchers studying the long-term effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
These medications—including omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole—are widely prescribed to treat acid reflux and heartburn. Doctors typically recommend taking PPIs once a day for a limited period. However, long-term use has previously been associated with a growing list of potential side effects, including a possible increased risk of dementia.
A 2023 study found that people who used PPIs over an extended period were 33 percent more
