Experts suggest that anti-inflammatory pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen may help reduce the risk of dementia by 12 percent. However, they emphasize the importance of considering other preventive strategies as well.
A recent study tracked over 11,700 individuals for nearly 15 years and found that long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) could have a protective effect against dementia. The research revealed that 81 percent of participants had used NSAIDs at some point, with long-term users showing a 12 percent lower risk of developing dementia compared to non-users.
However, experts caution against prolonged NSAID use due to the associated health risks. Currently, around 1 in 9 individuals aged 65 and older in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s, an irreversible form of dementia.
Dr. M. Arfan Ikram, the corresponding author of the study from Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam in the Netherlands, stated in a press release that “Our study provides evidence on possible preventive effects of anti-inflammatory medication against the dementia process.”
Key Findings
The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, highlighted that certain NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, and sulindac, have been shown to reduce the production of amyloid-beta 42, a specific protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The research also indicated that both amyloid-lowering and non-lowering NSAIDs were linked to reduced dementia risk.
Despite the positive findings, researchers emphasized that higher doses of NSAIDs did not necessarily offer additional protective benefits against dementia.
The study utilized data from the Rotterdam Study, a long-term health study tracking residents in the Rotterdam area since 1990. The cohort included 11,745 individuals aged 45 and above who were free of dementia at the beginning of the study.
While the study sheds light on the potential link between inflammation and dementia, it also underscores the risks associated with prolonged NSAID use, particularly among older adults. These risks include gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers, cardiovascular events, kidney damage, and increased blood pressure.
Further research is needed to explore preventive strategies beyond NSAID use. Some alternative approaches to lowering dementia risk include supplements, dietary adjustments, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Alternative Approaches
Pharmacist and chief medical officer Erika Gray recommended considering factors like family history, personal health history, kidney function, and other conditions when weighing the pros and cons of NSAID use. She highlighted the importance of reducing chronic inflammation, which is linked to dementia, through supplements like curcumin and systemic enzymes, as well as anti-inflammatory foods.
Gray also suggested maintaining optimal vitamin D levels, managing blood sugar levels, and adopting lifestyle changes to reduce overall inflammation and potentially lower the risk of dementia without the side effects associated with NSAIDs.
