Each year, thousands of people are prescribed medications from the class of drugs known as Benzodiazepines. These drugs are widely prescribed by doctors and include medications such as Ativan (Lorazepam), Xanax (Alprazolam), Klonopin (Clonzepam), and Valium (Diazepam). The dangers of these drugs such as abuse, dependency, and significant memory impairment have been made known to the public, but in a more recent study, these drugs are being linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.
Benzodiazepines are meant to be taken for a short period of time, though many doctors keep patients on the medications for years. One reason people remain on the drug is that the withdrawal period of coming off of them is incredibly difficult and can be dangerous depending on how long the drug has been in the body. Many doctors who have spoken out against long term benzodiazepin use have compared coming off of the drug Klonopin to that of a heroin withdrawal, even when one has not abused the pill and is following the directions of a doctor.
However, studies are now showing that using these benzodiazepines for a long period of time (three months or more) are 50 percent more likely to develop dementia years later, when they are over age 65. The risk for those taking the medications for more than six months doubled for the development of Alzheimer’s. According to the study, people who are using these drugs for an extended period of time may experience neurological changes. These changes in the brain then diminish their cognitive reserve, thus reducing the brain’s ability to handle the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia-related illnesses that can possibly show up in later years.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association currently five million people in the United States suffer from Alzheimer’s. Worldwide, 36 million people are affected. By the year 2050, it is predicted that the numbers could reach 115 million seniors affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Typically, doctors are using benzodiazepines to treat the anxiety and depression that usually comes along with these illnesses. 50 percent of seniors use one of the drugs in the benzodiazepines category for mental health problems. However, the American Geriatrics Society has put benzodiazepines on a list of drugs that they consider dangerous for the elderly.
Benzodiazepines have always been a risky class of drugs to use, even for a short period of time. They are easy to get addicted to, and they can result in memory loss, seizures, and a list of other side effects, especially when combined with other drugs. Even when used under the supervision of a doctor, the risks are still very much there. Now that benzodiazepines use is being linked to Alzheimer’s and dementia, many experts say that perhaps it is time for doctors to take a look at how frequently and easily they are handing out these prescriptions.
By: Lauren DiDonato