Benzodiazepine, psychotropic medication, and dementia: A population‐based cohort study. Issue 5 (19th November 2015) - Shash, Dalia
Abstract: Introduction: Benzodiazepine use has been associated with increased risk of dementia. However, it remains unclear whether the risk relates to short or long half‐life benzodiazepines and whether it extends to other psychotropic drugs. Methods: Prospective cohort study among 8240 individuals ≥65, interviewed on medication use. Incident dementia confirmed by an end point committee after a multistep procedure. Results: During a mean of 8 years of follow‐up, 830 incident dementia cases were observed. Users of benzodiazepines at baseline had a 10% increased risk of dementia (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.90–1.34). However, long half‐life (>20 hours) benzodiazepine users had a marked increased risk of dementia (HR = 1.62; 1.11–2.37) compared with short half‐life users (HR = 1.05; 0.85–1.30). Users of psychotropics had an increased risk of dementia (HR = 1.47; 1.16–1.86). Discussion: Results of this large, prospective study show increased risk of dementia for long half‐life benzodiazepine and psychotropic use.