Dementia Risk May Be Linked to Anxiety Drugs

Using benzodiazepines for the treatment of anxiety-related symptoms or insomnia in senior citizens may be associated with an elevated risk of dementia as compared to those who do not use this class of drugs, says a new study.

The French study, published online in the British Medical Journal,randomly selected 1,063 individuals older than 65 years for long-term observation, according to MedPage Today. The results showed that patients who used benzodiazepines had a 60 percent greater risk of new-onset dementia as compared to those who never consumed these drugs.

MedPage Today reports that the study strengthens the hypothesis that benzodiazepine use increases the risk of poor brain function and loss of memory in older adults.  However, since earlier studies have had conflicting results about the risk of dementia with these drugs, the researchers say more study is needed.

Some experts still speculate that the use of benzodiazepines is safe and effective if used for a very short time.  But the study says that doctors and regulators should consider the potential for adverse side effects in older patients.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawyer may be able to help you.

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