In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo reviews current concerns surrounding heartburn drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and their potential risks with a focus on the risk of dementia.

Key discussions include:

- An in-depth look at PPIs, including their mechanism of action, common uses, and the historical context of their development.

- The array of misconceptions surrounding PPIs, especially concerning their association with serious side effects, including dementia risk.

- A breakdown of the scientific method and how to critically evaluate research studies, illustrating the importance of understanding study design and evidence quality.

- The definition of pseudoscience and how it contrasts with legitimate scientific inquiry, emphasizing the dangers of starting with conclusions rather than evidence.

- The challenges of conducting long-term studies on PPIs and dementia, highlighting the need for rigorous, well-designed research.

As the episode wraps up, Dr. Gandolfo emphasizes the importance of discerning credible medical information from pseudoscience and encourages listeners to engage with their healthcare providers about any concerns regarding medications.

Stay tuned for part two, where Dr. Gandolfo will delve deeper into the existing studies on PPIs and dementia, providing insights on how to approach treatment decisions.

Referenced in this episode:

Episode 3: Stomach Acidity

Episode 5: Understanding GERD: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

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