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A new study suggests that taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a long time may reduce the risk of developing dementia.
The research, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, builds on past studies that link inflammation to dementia and suggests that NSAIDs could offer protection.
Researchers followed 11,745 adults for an average of 14.5 years. Among them:
9,520 participants had used NSAIDs at some point.
2,091 participants developed dementia.
Long-term NSAID users had a 12% lower risk of dementia.
However, short- and medium-term use did not show any benefits, and taking higher doses did not make a difference.
What This Means
The findings suggest that consistent, long-term use of NSAIDs—not just short-term or high-dose use—might help protect against dementia.
Dr. M. Arfan Ikram, one of the study’s authors from Erasmus MC University Medical Center in the Netherlands, said:
“Our study provides evidence that anti-inflammatory medications may help prevent dementia. More research is needed to confirm these findings and explore preventive strategies.”
Should You Take NSAIDs for Dementia Prevention?
While these results are promising, NSAIDs can have side effects, including stomach problems and increased heart risks. Anyone considering long-term use should talk to a doctor first.
Future studies may help determine how NSAIDs can be safely used for dementia prevention and who might benefit the most from them.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and Vitamin B supplements could help reduce dementia risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that high-fiber diet could help lower the dementia risk, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
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