TLDR Using 5 alpha reductase inhibitors may increase dementia risk in the first two years.
The study investigated the association between the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) and the risk of dementia. Using a matched cohort design with data from Ontario, Canada, 81,162 men who used 5ARIs were compared to an equal number of non-users. Results indicated an increased risk of dementia in the first (HR 2.18) and second (HR 1.52) years of 5ARI use, but this risk was not significant in men with the longest exposure (HR 1.06). The findings suggested that the initial higher risk might be due to the presentation and treatment of urinary symptoms coexisting with mild cognitive impairment, rather than a direct causative relationship between 5ARI use and dementia.
90 citations,
March 2017 in “JAMA Internal Medicine” Men over 66 taking medication for prostate enlargement have a higher risk of depression and self-harm, especially in the first 18 months of treatment.
2 citations,
March 2018 in “Current Opinion in Urology” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can cause sexual, neurologic, endocrine, and cardiovascular side effects, but these are rare and usually stop after ending treatment.
March 2024 in “Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine” Alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are main treatments for BPH, with new support for phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and beta-3 agonists.
77 citations,
May 2012 in “Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs” New treatments for male hypogonadism are effective and should be personalized.
70 citations,
November 2013 in “The BMJ” Tamsulosin for enlarged prostate may increase the risk of severe low blood pressure, especially when starting or restarting the medication.
6 citations,
May 2020 in “JAMA Ophthalmology” Using 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, drugs for prostate issues and hair loss, may lead to eye abnormalities in men.
