Alzheimer’s Society comment on ecstasy and dementia

The drug has been found to cause non-progressive brain damage in isolated focal points in the brain, leading to the development of obsessive compulsive disorder, persistent psychosis and other forms of brain damage. As younger users of this drug get older it is a potential concern that these changes could contribute to the development of dementia in later life but it is too early to tell.

It is difficult to collect accurate data on the relationship between illegal drug use and dementia because of the difficulties of people honestly recalling drug use in research trials.

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society