A recent study in the British Medical Journal connects the use of Valium and similar medications with developing dementia…..but the conclusions are far from clearcut.
Valium comes from a class of medications called Benzodiazepines. Other medications in this category are Xanax, Ativan, Restoril, and a slew of other commonplace meds. It works by stimulating the GABA-receptors in the brain, causing a relaxing and sometimes sleepy sensation. If such medications really were associated with developing dementia, there would be cause for some concern, but this study, which purports to show such a connection, falls far short of such proof.
As such, I suspect you will see a magazine or newspaper article on this topic very soon…..but be skeptical. Sexy headlines often are oversimplifications or outright exagerations or lies and can lead to unecessary worry.
Benzopiazepine medications are very safe and very effective. When used properly and judiciously they are extremely helpful….so don’t think to stop your medications just yet.