Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was associated with a 12% lower risk of dementia, although cumulative dose did not affect this risk, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Short-term NSAID use (less than 24 months) was linked to a slightly increased dementia risk. These findings suggest that prolonged exposure to anti-inflammatory medication—rather than high doses—may help reduce dementia risk. Researchers propose that inflammation plays a role in gradual dementia development, including conditions like Alzheimer disease. Over the study period of 14.5 years on average, use of NSAIDs for 24 months or longer was associated with a 12% lower risk of dementia compared with non-use (hazard ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.84-0.91). The study population included nearly 12,000 participants from an ongoing population-based cohort study in the Netherlands, 9,520 of which used NSAIDs, and 2,091of which developed dementia.
Take 2 NSAIDs and call me in the morning: NSAIDs are among the most commonly used medications. The NSAID market size was valued at $120 billion in 2023 with about 8.5% predicted growth. Most clinicians recommend over-the-counter oral options, so it’s difficult to track exactly how many patients use NSAIDs.