Benzodiazepines and Dementia Not Linked, New Study ShowsBy Floyd Arthur

A newstudypublished Feb. 2, 2016, online in The BMJ shows no link between the use of benzodiazepines and dementia in seniors over the age of 65. The study contradicts the findings of a number of other researchers who found a strong correlation between both dementia and Alzheimers disease in seniors who took benzodiazepines.

Tavor lorazepamCoauthored by Shelly Gray of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Washington, the latest study followed 3,434 adults aged 65 and older who participated in the Adult Changes in Thought Study conducted by Seattle, Washington-based Group Health. Participants were rigorously assessed for dementia symptoms at baseline and at two-year intervals for an average of seven years.The researchers used pharmacy data from Group Health to determine study participants exposure to benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics such as zolpidem andzaleplonover the previous 10 years. Exposure was recalculated on a rolling basis at each follow up.At the start of the study, 30 percent of participants had received at least one prescription for benzodiazepines over the preceding 10 years, although only 3 percent had used the drugs within the preceding six months. The most commonly used medications, accounting for 83 percent of exposures, weretemazepam, diazepam, clonazepam, triazolam, and lorazepam. At the highest level of exposure, the median level of use was the equivalent of daily use for just over a year. At the conclusion of the study, 797 (23.2 percent) participants had developed dementia; 637 of whom had a diagnosis of Alzheimers disease. Contrary to the study authors expectations, no association was found between the incidence of dementia and the highest level of benzodiazepine use.Benzodiazepines in the Elderly Still RiskyRecent findings notwithstanding, the use of benzodiazepines in the elderly is associated with many serious adverse effects. Cognitive impairment, loss of balance and other psychomotor effects have long been associated with an increased incidence of falls, fractures, traffic accidents and delirium in seniors who take benzodiazepines.Nonetheless, about 9 to 12 percent of the elderly in the United States report taking these drugs. Further, according to a 2014reportfrom the National Institute of Health, long-term use -- indicated by a supply of greater than 120 days -- increases with age. Of people aged 65 to 80 who were prescribed benzodiazepines, over 30 percent received a prescription for long-term use versus 14 percent of users aged 18 to 35.These new data reveal worrisome patterns in the prescribing of benzodiazepines for older adults said Thomas Insel, M.D., then director of the National Institute of Mental Health. This analysis suggests that prescriptions for benzodiazepines in older Americans exceed what research suggests is appropriate and safe.Physicians are often caught between the need to treat their patients troublesome symptoms and the need to be both prudent and safe. Whats more, even the most judicious prescribing practices and careful clinical assessments sometimes lead to a bad result. Thats why protecting yourself and your practice with comprehensive medical malpractice insurance is essential for your long-term financial health.We the Physician Guard are experts in the field of professional liability insurance and medical malpractice, so let us help you optimize your coverage now. Call us at 516-292-3780 to schedule an appointment or speak directly to an agent, orrequest a free quoteonline now.

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