New Insights: Pain Relievers Linked to 12% Drop in Dementia Risk

Are those everyday pain relievers sitting in your medicine cabinet holding a secret to keeping your brain sharp as you age? It's a question scientists are exploring, and recent research has turned up some interesting results.

A new study suggests that long-term use of common over-the-counter pain medications might lower your risk of dementia. But before you start popping aspirin and ibuprofen pills daily, let’s dig into what this really means.

What the Study Actually Found

So, what did the Researchers from the Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam discover? Their ongoing study tracked 11,745 dementia-free adults. During an average follow-up period of 14.5 years, the researchers found that those who consistently took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)  for a long time had a 12% lower risk of dementia. 

But here’s the catch: it wasn’t about how much you took, but the long-term use of NSAIDs. Taking a bunch of NSAIDs every now and then didn’t seem to have the same effect.

The researchers believe it might be because these drugs help clear out plaques that build up in the brain and are linked to dementia. Keeping inflammation consistently low is better than lowering it a lot occasionally.

Now, let’s be clear. This study doesn't mean you should take NSAIDs to prevent dementia. Long-term use of over-the-counter drugs can cause you to have stomach bleeding and heart problems.

Plus, the study left out people with a specific gene that increases Alzheimer’s risk, and other studies have had mixed results. So, it’s not yet the answer.

The Role of Inflammation in Your Brain Health

In the United States alone, millions are living with Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. More than 6 million Americans are living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. And according to the Alzheimer's Association, that number is expected to rise to 14 million by 2060. 

What's more concerning is that brain damage from Alzheimer's can happen for years without any symptoms, and inflammation is likely a major factor. Scientists are understanding that chronic, low-grade inflammation plays a big role in the development and progression of dementia.

Scientists think inflammation helps create the plaques and tangles linked to Alzheimer's, and also stops the brain from cleaning itself, making it more likely to get dementia. Essentially, inflammation creates an environment in your brain that makes it more vulnerable to dementia.

And what causes this chronic inflammation? Your diet, exercise habits, stress levels, and sleep. So, addressing inflammation is the key to protecting your brain.

What To Do for Brain Health

So, if over-the-counter pain relievers are not to be used as Alzheimer’s medicine, what can you actually do now to keep your brain healthy? Managing inflammation starts with these lifestyle changes:

• Diet: Eat anti-inflammatory foods with omega-3 fatty acids like fish, flaxseeds, fruits, and vegetables. Cut back on processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.

• Exercise: Aim for regular physical activity. Even a daily walk can make a difference.

• Stress Management:  Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or time in nature.

• Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to help your body repair and recover.

• Regular check-ups and blood panels:

Talk to your doctor about getting regular blood tests to check for markers of inflammation. Common markers include C-reactive protein (CRP) and Homocysteine. Regular check-ups help find and manage high blood pressure, diabetes, and vitamin D problems. These are all risks of dementia and the decline of your cognitive function.

What We've Learned

This study is not your sign to start taking NSAIDs long-term as brain medicines. However, it points out how important it is to manage inflammation for your brain health. 

So, focus on a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep. And if you’re concerned about your brain health, talk to your doctor for ways to manage your inflammation and brain health. Mito Health offers a comprehensive lab test to help you check your inflammation and risks of dementia. Get tested today!