Non-Fatal Overdoses Linked With Neurodegeneration, Alzheimer’s-Like Symptoms

A history of non-fatal opioid overdoses can lead to neurodegeneration that can increase the likelihood of individuals engaging in more risky behaviors that ultimately result in new overdoses, according to recently published research from Drexel University.

The findings were included in a review paper published by the International Journal of Drug Policy.

“Many people still think of opioid overdose as a strictly life-or-death issue, but fatal overdoses constitute only 3-4% of all overdoses and repeated nonfatal overdoses may have far-reaching consequences for survivors,” Janna Ataiants, DrPH, Drexel senior research scientist tells the university’s News Blog site. “We need to acknowledge how nonfatal overdoses attack brain cells, perhaps to the point of bringing on symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Researchers reviewed literature to examine 3 downstream health outcomes of repeated overdoses: neurodegenerative processes, cognition and memory, and overdose risk behaviors. In their review, the researchers found “a vicious cycle of nonfatal overdose leading to neurodegeneration—closely resembling Alzheimer’s disease—that results in cognitive decline that, in turn, leads to potentially reduced adherence to safe drug use behaviors.”

Ataianis tells the News Blog that the findings highlight the need for more accurate data on the broader scope of the opioid crisis beyond tracking overdose deaths and emergency room visits.