What should you know about PPIs and dementia?

PPIs reduce stomach acid and are used for problems such as reflux or stomach ulcers. Forgetfulness, confusion and difficulty finding words can arise from many factors, including illness, poor sleep, mood changes, medication effects or dehydration. A memory symptom is not proof of dementia, and dementia is assessed through a pattern of changes in thinking and daily function over time.

Do not assume that a PPI is the cause or stop it without advice. A clinician can check why it was started, whether it is still needed and whether another medicine or health problem better explains the change.

Write down when the memory or thinking change began, whether it fluctuates, and which daily tasks are affected. Bring the medicine packets or a current list of prescriptions, over-the-counter products and supplements to a GP consultation. If possible, ask someone who knows the person well to describe changes they have noticed.

Take the PPI as prescribed while arranging review. Regular meals, fluids, sleep support and a calm routine may help general wellbeing, but they do not replace assessment of a continuing change. A mental health assessment may be useful when low mood or anxiety is part of the picture.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden confusion, new weakness, trouble speaking, a severe headache, collapse or a rapidly worsening change. Arrange a GP appointment for gradually increasing memory problems, missed medicines, getting lost, difficulty managing money or new loss of bladder control. These signs can have treatable causes and should be assessed rather than attributed to age or a PPI.

Ask whether the PPI is still necessary, whether its dose and timing are appropriate, and which checks could clarify the memory concern. Ask how to change treatment safely and whether a cognitive, physical or mental health assessment is appropriate.