Acid Suppressants: Nuanced Links to Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Outcomes | Quick Digest
Recent research presents a mixed view on acid-suppressive medications and neurodevelopment. While prenatal exposure shows no significant link to common neuropsychiatric disorders, early-life use in preterm infants is associated with adverse outcomes. Long-term adult use may also have implications for dementia.
Prenatal acid suppressant exposure generally not linked to common neuropsychiatric disorders.
Early acid suppressant use in preterm infants associated with lower IQ and autism risk.
Long-term PPI use potentially increases dementia risk in adults, though evidence is debated.
Caution advised for infant acid suppressant use due to infection risks.
The overall link is complex, requiring careful consideration for specific patient groups.
Ongoing research aims to clarify mechanisms and long-term effects.
The relationship between acid-suppressive medications and neurodevelopment is complex and varies significantly across different populations and exposure periods, contrary to a generalized 'link' suggested by the original title. Recent large-scale studies have provided crucial insights. A January 2026 study, for instance, found that prenatal exposure to acid-suppressive medications (both PPIs and H2-receptor antagonists) showed no significant association with the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in children, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, severe neuropsychiatric disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, particularly when using robust sibling-control analyses. Any small associations observed in other models were largely attributed to confounding factors, not causation.
However, concerns remain for other vulnerable groups. A 2022 cohort study focusing on extremely preterm infants revealed that acid suppressant use during the first 24 months of life was associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes, including decreased IQ, impaired working memory, and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy. This suggests a need for caution when prescribing these medications to very young, vulnerable infants. Furthermore, general guidelines emphasize careful consideration before prescribing H2RAs/PPIs to infants, as their efficacy is sometimes questioned and studies indicate potential associations with increased risks of respiratory/gastrointestinal infections, *Clostridium difficile* infection, and hypomagnesemia.
For adults, the picture is also mixed regarding long-term use and cognitive decline. Some studies suggest that cumulative, long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for over 4.4 years might be associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, potentially linked to altered amyloid metabolism or vitamin B12 deficiency. Conversely, other research, including a 2017 study reported by ScienceDaily, found no convincing evidence that PPI use increases dementia risk, advising against sensational claims. This highlights ongoing debate and the need for further research to understand potential mechanisms.
The 'European Medical Journal' is a peer-reviewed, open-access publication that aims to provide insights into medical advancements. While the specific article titled 'The Link Between Acid-Suppressive Medication and Neurodevelopment' was not directly found with a publication date in the real-time search, the overarching topic is actively researched, with new findings continuously emerging.
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