aspirin and ibuprofen
The daily use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory—aspirin and ibuprofen are two of the most common—is considered by some researchers as a promising therapy for keeping the brain healthy in certain groups of older people. But they’re not for everyone.
Evidence for the brain benefits of aspirin and ibuprofen comes from arthritis studies of people who regularly take significant doses of anti-inflammatory drugs. Researchers found an unanticipated affect: a reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Chronic inflammation is known to damage nerve tissues, and examinations of the brains of people with Alzheimer’s have shown large areas of inflammation. So there appears to be a correlation between inflammation and dementia, though no one knows if the former causes the latter.
While anti-inflammatories may be useful in maintaining brain health, it’s too early to recommend their wholesale use. More research needs to be done. Doctors now advise daily aspirin therapy for people at high risk for heart disease, to prevent clotting that could lead to a heart attack or stroke. But serious side effects, such as bleeding ulcers and interference with other medications, can occur. Before starting such a program, you must discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.
Read full article
Read WatchMojo’s ‘11 Brain Boosters’
Read WatchMojo’s ‘Drinking and Thinking’
Read WatchMojo’s ‘You Snooze-You Win!’