Association Between Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Cognitive Function in Women

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Previous studies suggested a link between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and dementia.
• Limited data exist on the long-term effects of PPIs on cognitive function.
• H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) share clinical indications with PPIs, necessitating a secondary investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and cognitive function.
• To examine the relationship between H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) use and cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data from 13,864 participants in the Nurses' Health Study II were analyzed.
• Participants completed computerized neuropsychological tests assessing psychomotor speed, attention, learning, working memory, and overall cognition.
• Multivariable linear regression models were employed to assess medication use associations with cognitive scores.

Main Results:

• A modest association was found between longer duration of PPI use (9-14 years) and lower psychomotor speed/attention scores.
• This association was attenuated after controlling for H2RA use.
• Longer duration of H2RA use (9-14 years) was associated with poorer cognitive scores, particularly in learning and working memory, among non-regular PPI users.

Conclusions:

• The study did not find a convincing association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and cognitive function.
• Data do not support the hypothesis that PPI use increases dementia risk.
• Findings for H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) require cautious interpretation due to the primary focus on PPIs.