Sodium Bicarbonate Linked to Lower Dementia Risk
A study found this common treatment for kidney disease was associated with a lower risk of developing dementia.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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Researchers identified that individuals using sodium bicarbonate had a 51 percent lower likelihood of developing dementia. This October 2026 finding offers a potential new avenue for prevention in patients over age 50 with mild cognitive impairment.
Why it matters
Identifying affordable, already available medications to prevent dementia is a priority as the number of people living with the condition continues to grow. This research highlights the potential of repurposing existing drugs to address a disease that currently has no preventative treatment.
A study of 122,000 individuals over age 50 with mild cognitive impairment found a 51 percent lower likelihood of dementia among those taking sodium bicarbonate. The research also identified 20 other common medications that appeared to offer protective benefits against the condition.
The players
NHS
The publicly funded healthcare system in Britain that is currently seeing nearly one million patients with dementia.
Stanford University
A research institution that previously studied the relationship between the shingles vaccine and dementia risk.
The details
Sodium bicarbonate is medically used to manage advanced kidney disease by preventing the build-up of harmful acids in the body. Researchers compared memory test scores and clinical dementia diagnoses between users and non-users to determine if this acid-neutralizing property impacts cognitive health. The investigation is part of a broader effort to repurpose existing, affordable medications for dementia prevention.
Timeline
The analysis was reported in October 2026.
The number of Britons with dementia is projected to reach 1.4 million by 2040.
Health Landscape
This research follows the pattern set by the Stanford University study on shingles vaccine and dementia, which also identified protective cognitive effects from an existing medical treatment. It contributes to a broader effort to identify inexpensive, repurposed drugs that might prevent dementia.
If you are concerned about cognitive health, talk with your doctor about your current medications and any ongoing trials involving preventative treatments. Do not start or stop taking sodium bicarbonate or any other drug based on these findings, as it is a treatment for specific medical conditions.
The takeaway
While this study suggests a potential link between sodium bicarbonate and reduced dementia risk, it is important to view these findings as a step toward future preventative options. Discuss your individual cognitive health concerns and current medication regimen with your physician.
Further reading
For more on the latest research regarding cognitive health and prevention, visit our Alzheimer’s section.
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Would you take a non-prescribed supplement based on initial research suggesting a health benefit?
