A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society on March 4, suggests that long-term use of pain relief medications like ibuprofen and aspirin could be linked to a reduced risk of developing dementia.
Researchers found that people who used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) regularly for at least two years had a 12% lower risk of dementia.
The study, led by Dr. Arfan Ikram of Erasmus University Medical Center, highlights the potential impact of NSAIDs in reducing chronic low-grade inflammation, which has been associated with brain damage and dementia development.
Although the research shows a connection between long-term NSAID use and a lower dementia risk, it also emphasizes that these drugs are not recommended for people without existing inflammation issues, as they could lead to adverse side effects like stomach inflammation, heart attack, or kidney damage.
Using data from nearly 12,000 participants over 14 years, the research revealed that daily NSAID use for over two years was linked to a 12% reduction in dementia risk, compared to those who did not use NSAIDs regularly.
However, no correlation was found between the dosage and dementia risk, suggesting that the length of NSAID use, rather than the amount taken, could be key in influencing cognitive health.
While these findings are promising, experts caution that the results are observational, meaning they don’t prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship between NSAID use and lower dementia risk.
Additionally, genetic factors, such as the APOE-ε4 allele linked to dementia, did not appear to influence the outcomes of this study.
Though this research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that inflammation plays a role in dementia, experts warn against starting NSAID use without medical guidance.
Chronic NSAID use can lead to significant health risks, and only those with existing inflammatory conditions may benefit from these medications for both cognitive and overall health.
Read more:
- Can Dementia Be Caused By Depression?
- A Comprehensive Guide to Dementia-Related Psychosis
- Is Dementia a Psychological Condition?
