Do Alpha-Blockers and 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors Increase Dementia Risk? A Network Meta-Analysis

    December 2025 in “ International Neurourology Journal ”
    Karmenia Jessica Kurnia Niaga, Francesca Rinaldi, Nathania Nathania, Pedro Arruda Supinto, Stevan Kristian Lionardi, Rivan Yo, Agoes Wilyono, Parningotan Yosi Silalahi
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    TLDR Alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors don't significantly increase dementia risk.
    This study evaluated the potential dementia risk associated with alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by analyzing data from 5 multicenter studies involving 3,650,434 patients. The results indicated no significant association between these medications and an increased risk of dementia. However, 5ARIs showed a relatively higher probability of dementia risk compared to other treatments. The findings suggest that these medications can be prescribed without significant concern for dementia risk, but further large-scale research is recommended to confirm these results.
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