Hi Chrissie
I think best discuss the right course for you with your doctor. All I can say is that when I reported what I thought were really quite worrying symptoms, I was reassured that it was excessive acid production which was impacting my oesophagus. Medicine solved my issues really well. My consultant suggested that for me, omeprazole would be better than Zantac. And I'm happy to report that it worked almost immediately and indeed I have not had a single swallowing problem since (which strongly suggests my consultant was right about the cause). I've also been reassured several times (including recently) that it is ok - I only took 10mg which is very low dosage. But definitely discuss it all with your doctor.
As for omeprazole and dementia, I looked at the comments on the study reported in the Mail and Telegraph - seems there are some specific criticisms of it and NHS guidance hasn't changed. There are loads of factors apparently relating to dementia. I recall reading recently that there has been a very substantial drop in incidence among men, as a result of better health generally - diet, exercise, reduction in smoking and alcohol apparently. I would like to think those are in my favour (CML made me get fitter, lighter and eat better than I have been/done for years). The same drop has not been observed in women - because they are, so I believe, generally healthier already...
Good luck - am sure you will find a way to solve the problem.
Best
Richard