This Pain Reliever May Lower Dementia Risk

This class of pain relievers – NSAIDs – may lower your dementia risk.

First, I want to lower your expectations.

A new study showed this:

Long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug use was associated with a one-eighth (12 percent) reduced dementia risk.

Now, the caution: The results are preliminary and do not lead to a recommendation of using NSAIDs to reduce your dementia risk.

I’ll review the dementia study before reminding you of some potential risk-reducing maneuvers.

What Are NSAIDs?

NSAIDs stand for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.

They are a class of medications widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Non-steroidal: This distinguishes them from corticosteroids, which are another type of anti-inflammatory drug.
• Anti-Inflammatory: They work by reducing inflammation in the body.
• Drugs: They are medications.

NSAIDs include:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
• Aspirin
• Diclofenac (Voltaren)
• Celecoxib (Celebrex)

Why Do People Use NSAIDs?

My patients commonly use NSAIDs to treat headaches, painful periods, sprains and strains, colds and flu, arthritis, and other conditions causing long-term pain.

While effective, NSAIDs can have side effects, especially with long-term or high-dose use. 

Common side effects include stomach upset, heartburn, and, in some cases, more serious issues like stomach ulcers or cardiovascular problems.

Not everyone can take NSAIDs. 

It’s important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using them, especially if you have certain health conditions (like heart, liver, or kidney problems or a history of stomach ulcers), are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.

Some NSAIDs are available over-the-counter, while others require a prescription.

A New Study Offers Hope

As a part of the Rotterdam study, researchers studied over 11,700 individuals without dementia.

The subjects had an average age of 66. 

Sixty percent were female.

Researchers tracked their health for an average of 14.5 years. 

Study Details

During this time, 18 percent of the participants received a dementia diagnosis.

Researchers used pharmacy records from 1991 to gather detailed information about NSAID prescriptions.

Based on this information, researchers grouped the participants into categories: non-users, short-term users (less than one month), intermediate-term users (1–24 months), and long-term users (more than 24 months). 

By the end of the follow-up period, 81 percent of the participants had used NSAIDs.

Study Findings

Here’s the takeaway message:

Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was associated with about a one-eighth (12 percent) lower risk for dementia.

Neither short- nor long-term NSAID use provided protection.

My Thoughts – This Pain Reliever May Lower Dementia Risk

The study has significant limitations.

First, the researchers did not account for over-the-counter NSAID use, which they may have incorrectly classified as not using these medicines.

Second, the study relied on standard dementia diagnostic criteria (and did not use Alzheimer’s biomarkers). There may have been some misdiagnoses.

Third, we know that individuals sticking to medication regimens are often healthier than the general population.

The study population was not diverse; it consisted mostly of white individuals.

Finally, the association does not prove a causal relationship between NSAID use and lower dementia risk.

Potential Dementia Risk-Reducing Tools

A review of published research examined clinical trial data on how behavior and lifestyle changes might prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease or age-related cognitive decline. 

The review concluded that the evidence for physical activity, blood pressure control, and cognitive training as preventative measures is “encouraging but inconclusive.” 

While these interventions show promise, more research is needed to understand their effectiveness in preventing dementia. 

Summary – This Pain Reliever May Lower Dementia Risk

First, a quick observation: Alzheimer’s is not the only cause of memory loss.

Because memory loss can stem from numerous sources, it’s crucial to see a doctor if you or someone you know is showing signs of dementia so a professional can identify the cause.

The new study suggests that long-term NSAID use may lower dementia risk.

Still, we need a lot more research to confirm this observation.

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