S leep Me di c a t i o n s that may
Increase Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Dr Carolyn Dean is a medical doctor and naturopath. She has authored and co-authored over 35 books
Sleep Medications That May Increase Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease D r Ca r o ly n D ea n
Some sleep medications have been associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease developing, according to a study from the British Medical Journal. While short-term use did not appear to have a noticeable link, patients who took certain sleep medications long-term were significantly more likely to develop the condition.
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Some medical professionals believe that as many as 40% of dementia diagnoses are incorrect, as there are a variety of other conditions that can display similar symptoms. Be nzod i aze p i ne s The study found that patients who took sleeping medication based on benzodiazepines for a period of longer than three months (91 daily doses) were nearly 50% more likely than others to develop Alzheimer’s in the following six-year period. However, it remains unclear if the cause is the medication itself or if the increased risk is linked to the underlying conditions for which these medications are usually prescribed.
Cau t i ou s U s e Sleep medication – benzodiazepines – should only ever be used in the shortterm, including zolpidem (Ambien). All sleep medication should only be used cautiously, especially in the elderly, as there are links to cognitive impairment. However, it should be noted that sleep disorders have also been flagged as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
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Dr Carolyn Dean
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