Drugs for Stomach Acid May Cause Cognitive Decline: New Study | DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog

Common acid reflux and ulcer drugs appear to cause cognitive impairment in older African-American adults, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.  Histamine 2 receptor antagonist (H2A) drugs — more commonly known as acid blockers — are among the most frequently prescribed drugs in the U.S., and some varieties are also available without prescription.  Axid, Pepcid, Tagament and Zantac are a few examples.  A five-year observational study of more than 1,500 African-American seniors, however, has indicated that the drugs might be responsible for the significant cognitive decline of almost one-fifth of the study participants.  Data from the study suggests older African-American patients are 2.5 times as likely to suffer cognitive impairment if they use the drugs on a long-term basis.  Conducted by Indiana University School of Medicine and the Regenstrief Institute, the study demonstrates the need for further research into the safety and efficacy of these drugs for all patients.  Previously on the D.C. Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:

• Anti-psychotic drugs unsafe for elderly with dementia
• Older diabetes drugs safer, better than new ones
• Some medications increase the risk of heat illness
• Only 5% of medical errors in nursing homes reported

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