Benzodiazepine drug use strongly correlated with risk of Alzheimers

Results Benzodiazepine ever use was associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (adjusted odds ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.36 to 1.69; further adjustment on anxiety, depression, and insomnia did not markedly alter this result: 1.43, 1.28 to 1.60). No association was found for a cumulative dose <91 prescribed daily doses. The strength of association increased with exposure density (1.32 (1.01 to 1.74) for 91-180 prescribed daily doses and 1.84 (1.62 to 2.08) for >180 prescribed daily doses) and with the drug half life (1.43 (1.27 to 1.61) for short acting drugs and 1.70 (1.46 to 1.98) for long acting ones).

source: The British Medical Journal; “Benzodiazepine use and risk of Alzheimer’s disease: case-control study”

The study found that having used benzodiazepine class drugs (such as the popular Xanax) under 90 days was not associated with a higher risk. Use for between 91 and 180 increases risk to 1.32 (32% above normal). Use for over 180 days increases risk to 1.84 (84% above normal). Use of benzodiazepine class drugs short with short half lifes increases risk to 1.43 (43% higher). Long half-life benzodiazepine-class drugs increase risk to 1.70 (70% higher).

This is serious and alarming. It shows a clear, direct association between risk for Alzheimers and use of benzodiazepine class drugs.

But, to also put this in perspective, my DNA test results from 23andme.com – results which my own corrupt government has since barred the company from providing to new customers – show that I have a 3x higher risk for getting exfoliation glaucoma. That means my increased risk is 300%.

Many genetic factors can increase (or decrease) one’s risk of certain diseases by seemingly large amounts. But, when taken in perspective, the results are still low. Out of a thousand or ten thousand people, only a very small handful would ever go on to get exfoliation glaucoma. In my case, that risk will be higher but it is still overall a very small number, a low risk.

So even if your risk of acquiring some disease is like 300% greater than normal, its still important to understand that in terms of overall risk.

What I would do if I knew that I was at a higher risk of any disease would be the same in all cases: Take the absolute best care of my health possible. For things like Alzheimers one good thing is to study a language. Studies have shown that those who speak a second language are at lower risk for Alzheimers.

You could also engage in regular exercise, eat a very healthy diet, etc. All these things are important. Obviously getting enough essential fatty acids, in particular DHA, is important.