New study links long-term use of sedatives with Alzheimer's Disease

A study of almost 2,000 elderly dementia sufferers has linked the prolonged use of sedatives called benzodiazepines to Alzheimer’s disease.

Prescribed by doctors to treat stress, anxiety and insomnia, the tiny pills could be doing more harm than good.

“You have a 51 per cent greater chance of getting the disease if you take these drugs,” Dr Bryce Vissel from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research said.

Benzodiazepines are mild tranquilizers, including diazepam in Valium and tamazapam in Normison.

The study was published in the British Medical Journal and found those who took the drugs over a period of three months or more were 51 per cent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia.

GP Dr Brian Morton said while it’s good research, it’s not cause for panic.

“They’re a very safe group of drugs when used properly and it’s best to get some advice about whether you need to continue it,” he said.

While benzodiazepines are still popular, they’re not as widely prescribed as in the past with newer medications now on the market with fewer side effects.

While this study examined the drug’s effect on the elderly, its effect on younger patients is still unclear.

Anyone taking the drugs and concerned about memory loss should speak to their doctor.