Benzodiazepines and Dementia: What the Latest Study Reveals
Episode Overview
No general link between benzodiazepine use and dementia risk found. Higher doses of benzodiazepines as anxiolytics linked to increased dementia risk. Heavy cannabis use associated with higher cardiovascular disease mortality in women. Moderate alcohol consumption reduces oxygen levels during sleep on flights. Calls for better medical education on cannabis programmes.
No general link was found between benzodiazepine use and dementia risk, but higher doses used as anxiolytics did show an increased risk
Ever wondered if benzodiazepines could impact your long-term brain health? This episode dives into a population-based study examining the link between benzodiazepine use and dementia risk. Using data from the Rotterdam study, researchers compared benzodiazepine use over 15 years with dementia screenings conducted up to 2020. The findings? No general link between benzodiazepine use and dementia, but higher doses used as anxiolytics did show an increased risk. Intrigued yet? That's just the tip of the iceberg.
The episode also covers heavy cannabis use and its link to cardiovascular disease in women, a new angle on opioid-induced brain changes, and the effects of moderate alcohol consumption on oxygen levels during sleep on long-haul flights. Plus, you'll hear about the confusing role of medical providers in cannabis programmes and why the tobacco industry should stay out of medical education.
Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone curious about addiction medicine, this episode is packed with valuable insights and research findings that could change the way you think about substance use and its long-term effects.