Could everyday pain relievers like NSAIDs be a secret weapon against dementia?
A large study suggests that long-term use of these anti-inflammatory drugs is linked to a reduced risk of developing the disease. However, the benefits seem to come from sustained use rather than high doses. While this finding is promising, researchers emphasize the need for further studies to confirm whether NSAIDs could play a meaningful role in dementia prevention strategies.
Can NSAIDs Help Prevent Dementia?
Research suggests that inflammation may play a role in the development and progression of dementia. Because non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce inflammation, scientists have long wondered if they might also help protect against dementia. A new large-scale study published today (March 5) in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society adds to this evidence, finding that long-term NSAID use is linked to a lower risk of developing dementia.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are a class of medications commonly used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. They work by blocking enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) that produce prostaglandins, chemicals involved in inflammation and pain signaling.
Common NSAIDs
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – Used for pain relief, fever reduction, and inflammation from conditions like arthritis, muscle aches, and headaches.
- Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) – Known for its longer-lasting effects, often used for arthritis, menstrual pain, and general inflammation.
- Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin) – Used for pain relief and reducing heart attack and stroke risk due to its blood-thinning properties.
- Celecoxib (Celebrex) – A COX-2 inhibitor, designed to reduce inflammation with a lower risk of stomach issues compared to traditional NSAIDs.
- Diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam) – Commonly used for arthritis and musculoskeletal pain, available in oral and topical forms.
- Meloxicam (Mobic) – A prescription NSAID often used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Indomethacin (Indocin) – Used for more severe inflammatory conditions like gout and arthritis.
While NSAIDs are effective, long-term use can increase the risk of stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and cardiovascular issues, so they should be used with caution, especially in higher doses or for extended periods.
Large-Scale Study Reveals Promising Link
The study followed 11,745 adults for an average of 14.5 years. Among them, 9,520 had used NSAIDs at some point, and 2,091 were diagnosed with dementia. Researchers found that those who took NSAIDs long-term had a 12% lower risk of developing dementia. However, short- and intermediate-term use showed no benefits, and higher cumulative doses did not further reduce risk.
The findings suggest that prolonged, rather than intensive, use of anti-inflammatory medications may help protect against dementia.
A Step Toward Dementia Prevention
“Our study provides evidence on possible preventive effects of anti-inflammatory medication against the dementia process. There is a need for more studies to further consolidate this evidence and possibly develop preventive strategies,” said corresponding author M. Arfan Ikram, MSc, MD, PhD, of Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, in the Netherlands.
Reference: “Long-Term Exposure to Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medication in Relation to Dementia Risk” by Ilse vom Hofe, Bruno H. Stricker, M. Kamran Ikram, Frank J. Wolters and M. Arfan Ikram, 4 March 2025, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
DOI: 10.1111/jgs.19411
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7 Comments
Dear Lord this is a frightening article. Popping ibuprofen as we do (“bottles” of ten thousand at Costco) has resulted in massive numbers of people whose kidneys are compromised. One would have to dementia to keep ingesting these drugs.
If you take a lot. I’ve been taking Ibuprofen, and aspirin, and my kidneys are just fine. However I don’t take a large dose.
If you don’t mind a hole in your stomach, this would be a great idea.
So true, im here to testify that taking too much ibuprofen for a length of time can be harmful. In 2018 I saw my primary doctor complaining of pain in my stomach. I had a sonogram done and it showed that there was an actual tear in my stomach wall and proceeded to be admitted to the hospital for a week. It was an ulcer I had developed as a result of all the ibuprofen I had been taking. After I was released my doctor advised me not to take any ibuprofen again, take acetaminophen. I took his advice and have been fine since this happened.
Any plans for for a similar study as the current one, but studying paracetamol rather than NSAIDs? Because paracetamol has much lower long term GI and cardiovascular risks.
(Btw, what NSAID was used in the current study? it doesn’t say in the article abstract. NSAIDs vary in pharmacodynamics so which one was used may be important for the interpretation of results).
Paracetamol is not anti-inflammatory, NSAIDs are.
The NSAID used in the study was ibuprofen.
Advil has been my over the counter drug of choice for years for pain and migraine headaches! I am happy that it’s getting some recognition for doing it’s job! I was sad when I couldn’t find Advil cold and Sinus that stuff is a God send during flu season! Kudos to the Advil… Yep that’s a drug I am okay with and love the benefits for Alzheimer’s! Hmm?!