In a prospective study among 4,409 subjects aged 65+ years, we assessed the relation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) to cognition. The main outcome was decline in global cognitive function, determined by average performance across four cognitive tests, over up to four interviews. We found similar rates of cognitive decline among recent users of aspirin and of other NSAIDs (largely ibuprofen) compared to those who did not use these NSAIDs. For lifetime duration of aspirin use, we failed to find an association with cognitive decline. However, for other NSAIDs, increasing duration of lifetime use was related to slower rates of cognitive decline, relative to no use of other NSAIDs (5+ years vs. no use: mean difference = 0.12; p trend = 0.03). Overall, we found no relation between regular aspirin use and cognitive decline, but long-term use of ibuprofen may be related to decreased rates of cognitive decline in older persons.

Keywords:
Chicago Health and Aging Project, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Cognitive function
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
2008
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.