February Newsletter
Dementia and Acid Reflux Medication
A study published online on August 9, 2023, in the journal Neurology, reports a potential link between popular acid reflux medications known as proton pump inhibitors (e.g. Nexium, omeprazole, etc.) and an increased risk of dementia. After adjusting for various demographic and health factors, the researchers found that PPI users who had taken these medications for more than 4.4 years had a 33% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who had never used the drugs.1
The Sleep Apnea Risk
Poor sleep, a problem that plagues our lives now more than ever, can cause a whole lot more than just daytime exhaustion. A study from Sleep Medicine Reviews explores the connection between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and greater risk of health disorders such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and mental health issues.2 In the case of metabolic disorders, OSA may lead to 6-9 times more likelihood of developing these problems compared to the general population.
So, what causes OSA? While OSA can be associated with a few sources, a large predictor is visceral fat content. Visceral fat is the layer of fat that surrounds our internal organs, and can be high in both cases of obesity and non-obese people, but higher levels of abdominal fat generally correlate with high visceral fat levels.
OSA is not the only sleep issue that may cause health complications. Nighttime disruptions, low sleep duration, and other sleep issues can all cause both acute symptoms and chronic disorders and diseases. Sleep is essential to our longevity and quality of life.
Palmitoylethanolamide...Say That Three Times Fast
Palmitoylethanolamide, or PEA, is a fatty acid amide that is naturally produced in the body, with high concentrations found in the central nervous system. It is synthesized by neurons, glial cells, and immune cells. PEA is part of a group of endocannabinoids known as N-acylethanolamines (NAEs). It binds to both CB1(influences memory and learning) and CB2 receptors(expressed in immune tissues), with a higher affinity for CB2. The activation of CB2 receptors by PEA is believed to play a significant role in pain management. Research indicates that PEA may be an effective treatment for neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, and neuro-inflammatory conditions.
Microplastics, Macro-Problems
Microplastics, which result from the degradation of plastics, are recognized as environmental pollutants that can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or medical devices. Though nanoscale plastics have been associated with neurological disorders and inflammation, the effects of micron-sized microplastics are less clear. Previous research has indicated that microplastics can trigger immune responses and affect blood flow.
A recent study published in Science Advances examined the effects of microplastics on blood flow and neurobehavioral functions in mice.3 Three researchers used advanced imaging techniques to find that microplastics can block cerebral blood vessels by trapping immune cells in capillaries, revealing a novel way these particles disrupt vascular and neurological functions without crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Sources
- Northuis C, Bell EJ, Lutsey PL, et al. Cumulative Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk of Dementia: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Neurology. Published online August 9, 2023:10.1212/WNL.0000000000207747-10.1212/WNL.0000000000207747. doi:https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.0000000000207747
- Gaines J, Vgontzas AN, Fernandez-Mendoza J, Bixler EO. Obstructive sleep apnea and the metabolic syndrome: The road to clinically-meaningful phenotyping, improved prognosis, and personalized treatment. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2018;42:211-219. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2018.08.009
- Huang H, Hou J, Li M, Wei F, Liao Y, Xi B. Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities. Science Advances. 2025;11(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adr8243
