Although the overall use of benzodiazepines does not appear to increase the risk of dementia, long-term use is associated with a reduction in the volume of critical brain areas, such as the hippocampus and the amygdala, according to new research published in BMC Medicine. This finding supports current medical guidelines that caution against prolonged benzodiazepine use. Benzodiazepines are a class of medications commonly prescribed to alleviate anxiety and insomnia. Common benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan). These drugs function by enhancing t…