Researchers from Cambridge and Exeter Universities have discovered a link between certain medications and a reduced risk of dementia. The study, which analyzed data from over 130 million people, found that antibiotics, antivirals, vaccinations, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen were associated with a lower risk of neurodegeneration.
The findings suggest that these drugs may be preventing or slowing the progression of dementia by stopping viral or bacterial infections. The researchers acknowledge that their study does not prove the efficacy of these medications in preventing dementia but hint at potential benefits.
Previous research has suggested that certain infections, such as herpes, may contribute to dementia development. As a result, scientists are exploring whether existing treatments for other conditions could be repurposed to combat dementia.
The study showed significant reductions in dementia risk with vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid, and diphtheria (8-32%), anti-inflammatory ibuprofen (14-24%), antibiotic ceftriaxone (15-23%), vitamin B3 (20-25%), and blood-fat-lowering medication gemfibrozil (16-22%).
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/21/ibuprofen-antibiotics-reduce-dementia-risk-study