Researchers collected data on over 27,000 dementia patients and found that those prescribed a high dosage of strong sleeping medications such as zaleplon, zolpidem, zopiclone (so-called “Z-drugs”) had an elevated risk for a stroke, serious fall, and fracture, especially hip fracture. Study author Dr. Chris Fox notes, “This research shows us that higher-dose Zdrugs should be avoided, if possible, in people living with dementia, and non-pharmacological alternatives preferentially considered.”

BMC Medicine, November 2020