Can Benzodiazepines Cause Parkinson's Disease?

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Klara Hatinova

Klara Hatinova

Klara is postgraduate researcher in experimental psychology at the
University of Oxford.

Can Benzodiazepines Cause Parkinson's Disease?

Yes, benzodiazepine use is generally associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD). Benzodiazepines are a class of neuroactive drugs that stimulate GABA receptors, commonly used in epilepsy and insomnia. In Parkinson's Disease, benzodiazepines have been linked to reduced cognitive performance and mood changes [1].

Benzodiazepine use was associated with a 1.88x higher risk of developing Parkinson's Disease within the next two years [2]. In the elderly population, the risk of Parkinson's Disease with benzodiazepine use was even higher, at 3.2x the risk compared to individuals not taking benzodiazepines [3]. Later analysis suggested that some of these increased risks may be due to the benzodiazepine unmasking the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease [2, 4]. Thus, being prescribed benzodiazepines may indicate the onset of PD rather than causing PD.

Interestingly, some studies suggest that benzodiazepine use may cause dementia.

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Klara Hatinova

Klara Hatinova

Klara is a postgraduate researcher in experimental psychology at the University of Oxford. She has worked across a spectrum of hot topics in neuroscience, including her current project measuring reinforcement learning strategies in Parkinson’s disease. Previously, she studied the efficacy of psilocybin as a therapy for critical mental health conditions and examined molecular circadian rhythms of migraine disorders. She completed her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at the University of Glasgow and participated in a year abroad at the University of California, where she worked on a clinical trial for spinal cord injury.