shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > Lifestyle News > Health And Fitness News > Article > Sleeping pills linked to Alzheimers disease risk Study

Sleeping pills linked to Alzheimer's disease risk: Study

Updated on: 14 August,2018 06:42 PM IST  |  London
IANS |

The results, published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, showed that the risk increase was similar with both benzodiazepines and Z drugs regardless of their half-life

Sleeping pills linked to Alzheimer's disease risk: Study

Representational Image

Regular intake of benzodiazepines, widely used to treat insomnia and anxiety, may be associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, a study has warned.


Even though the increased risk for Alzheimer's disease was small in this study, the threshold for prescribing benzodiazepines and related drugs should be high enough due to their several adverse effects and events, such as falls, said researchers from the University of Eastern Finland.


These medications are commonly used for sleep problems, but their effectiveness for this indication diminishes over weeks or months. However, the risk of adverse events remains in longer-term use.


The results, published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, showed that the risk increase was similar with both benzodiazepines and Z drugs regardless of their half-life.

The study included all Finnish community dwellers with newly diagnosed Alzheimer's disease in 70,719 persons, and their age, sex and region of residence matched controls (282,862 persons).

Many chronic disorders, substance abuse, socioeconomical position and use of antidepressants and antipsychotics were taken into account. To account for reverse causality, drug use within 5 years before Alzheimer's disease diagnosis was not taken into account.

After adjustment for other psychotropics, it is possible that the association may partially be due to antidepressants and/or antipsychotics, or concomitant use of these medications, the researchers noted.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Except for the change in headline, the story has been provided "AS-IS," "AS AVAILABLE, without any verification or editing from our side. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK