Do Valium “Like” Drugs Cause Dementia?

Question:  I took Ativan for sleep for about eight years for sleep. Now I read that it causes neurodegenerative disease. Can you explain?

Dr. Bruno’s Response:

According to a nationwide Danish study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in April 2020, use of benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines (Z-drugs) did not appear associated with subsequent dementia.

171,287 (75.9%) subjects used benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. During follow-up of 6.1 years, 9,776 (4.2%) received a dementia diagnosis.

The investigators found no association between any use of benzodiazepines or Z-drugs - the cumulative dose or number of prescriptions - and dementia.  

Please talk to your physician

Richard L. Bruno, HD, PhD

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