Z-drugs can increase risk of stroke, fractures among dementia patients

Washington : In a novel study, researchers suggest that strong sleeping pills known as ‘Z-drugs’ are linked with an increased risk of falls, fractures, and stroke among people with dementia.
Sleep disturbance is common among people with dementia and the impact on patients and their families are significant. To date there are no proven effective treatments available, however, people with dementia are often prescribed Z-drugs (zopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem) The new study published in the journal BMC Medicine reveals that stronger doses of these drugs are linked with an increased risk of adverse effects.
These adverse effects were found to be similar or greater than those for higher dose benzodiazepines or ‘benzos’ – which are also used to treat sleep disturbance, and are known to have several adverse effects.
The team say that patients already taking higher doses of Z-drugs should not stop taking their medication suddenly, however they should seek a review with their GP.
Prof Chris Fox, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “As many as 90 per cent of people with dementia suffer sleep disturbances and it has a big impact on their mental and physical health, as well as that of their carers.