Over-the-counter painkillers and the onset of dementia

Published 27 April 2007

Alzheimer's Society comment on ADAPT clinical trial, published in the online edition of the American Academy of Neurology.

'The regular use of painkillers has previously been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. This intriguing link came from population studies, which revealed a lower incidence of dementia in people with arthritis taking NSAIDs.
This latest study investigated whether two NSAIDs could prevent the onset of dementia in older people. Ibuprofen, a common NSAID was not included in the study. In contrast with their expectations researchers found the NSAIDs included in the study slightly increased the risk of developing dementia compared with a placebo.
We would not recommend taking over-the-counter painkillers, or NSAIDs, as an effective way of reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The best evidence for reducing risk remains a healthy lifestyle, with regular exercise and a balanced diet. A healthy heart leads to a health mind.'