For years, I have been enduring Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), commonly referred to as acid reflux disease. I frequently experience intense heartburn and often wake up during the night due to coughing and gagging caused by the inhalation of stomach acid. Subsequently, my throat tends to be sore the following day, and my voice sounds hoarse. The issue of heartburn is exacerbated whenever I consume spicy food, a habit I indulge in quite frequently due to my love for it. Additionally, I have a tendency to indulge in late-night snacks on many occasions.
On the advice of my gastroenterologist, I was recommended to alter my diet, elevate the head of my bed, refrain from eating 2 hours prior to bedtime, and was prescribed Omeprazole, a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). Consequently, I have adhered to these recommendations by avoiding meals before bedtime, elevating the head of my bed, and consistently taking Omeprazole for several years. Despite this, I continue to consume spicy food, but thanks to the medication, I have been able to keep heartburn under control.
For numerous years, the burden of my acid reflux disrupting my life had been absent, until today. I have long been cognizant of the potential for kidney failure as a result of prolonged Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) use, yet I am fortunate that my kidneys remain unaffected. However, a recent article on CNN.com caught my attention, stating that "new research suggests a potential heightened risk of dementia among individuals using these medications for an extended period." This research specifically pertains to those aged 45 and older, who have been utilizing PPIs for more than 4 years. Considering I have been taking them for a duration far exceeding this threshold, the findings have prompted me to reevaluate my approach.
This news prompts me to contemplate the other medications I am currently prescribed to manage my various conditions: COPD/asthma, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, BPH, and chronic sinusitis. A couple of years ago, I composed a blog post titled "Living With Chronic Sinusitis, GERD, and Asthma". Now, it seems imperative that I revise the post to incorporate the additional concern of potential dementia risk linked to my GERD medication.
I won't begin to fret over this newfound revelation about my medication, as it's already too late to take any corrective actions. After all, who can predict the eventual consequences of the long-term use of my other prescribed medications? There's no wisdom in truncating my lifespan by fixating on "what ifs." At this juncture, I am reminded of the age-old adage, "damned if you do, damned if you don't."