Benzodiazepines and the Brain: A Review of Cognitive Impairments and Clinical Implications

Thomas Jude Rodrigues; Alshada Sharf; G. Vimal Raj; Arul Prakasam K. C.

doi:10.38124/ijisrt/25jun499

journal article Jun 13, 2025

Benzodiazepines and the Brain: A Review of Cognitive Impairments and Clinical Implications

Thomas Jude Rodrigues Alshada Sharf G. Vimal Raj Arul Prakasam K. C.

International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology pp. 243-251 · International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

View at Publisher Save 10.38124/ijisrt/25jun499

Abstract

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are used extensively for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms
because of their rapid effect. While beneficial in the short term, they are not as much researched regarding the possible
influence on thoughts and memory in the long term, especially on the elderly.This review summarizes what is known so far
about the mental side effects of long-term BZD use. Research, including some large reviews and some newer psychological
tests, suggests these drugs can lead to Problems with memory, concentration, and decision-making. Some of these issues can
even remain even after the person has stopped taking the drug. The degree of the effect seems to vary on the basis of how
long the person have been taking it, the dose, their age, other drugs they take, and even personal factors like genetics. Older
adults seem to be more susceptible. Because of these risks, experts often suggest keeping BZD use short and trying safer
alternatives like therapy or antidepressants. More long-term research is still needed, however, to learn more about the risks
and to make better treatment decisions.

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Published: Jun 13, 2025
Pages: 243-251

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Thomas Jude Rodrigues

Cite This Article

Thomas Jude Rodrigues, Alshada Sharf, G. Vimal Raj, et al. (2025). Benzodiazepines and the Brain: A Review of Cognitive Impairments and Clinical Implications. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 243-251. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun499

Benzodiazepines and the Brain: A Review of Cognitive Impairments and Clinical Implications

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