Long-Term NSAID Use Linked to Lower Dementia Risk: Study

A new study suggests that long-term use of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, may reduce the risk of dementia.

NSAIDs, commonly used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation, are well-known for providing symptom relief.

However, experts are now exploring their long-term effects on conditions like dementia, according to Medical News Today.

Published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the study examined how NSAID use over different periods affects dementia risk.

Data from 11,745 participants revealed that using NSAIDs for more than two years lowered the risk of dementia, while short-term use slightly increased it.

The study also found that the total amount of NSAIDs used did not correlate with a reduced dementia risk, highlighting that the duration of exposure is key for any potential benefits.

Researchers believe inflammation may play a role in dementia development, with NSAIDs potentially reducing this risk.

The analysis included participants who were dementia-free at the start, with an average follow-up period of 14.5 years.

Of the participants, 81.3% used NSAIDs, with about 46% using a combination of NSAIDs that both lower and do not lower beta-amyloid-42 levels.

Out of the group, over 2,000 participants developed dementia.

While short-term NSAID use slightly raised the risk, long-term use showed a protective effect.

Additionally, NSAIDs that do not lower beta-amyloid-42 levels appeared to offer greater protection against dementia than those that do.