A recent study led by Cambridge University has found a surprising connection between commonly used prescription drugs and a lower risk of dementia. The research, which analyzed health data from 130 million people, identified a link between antibiotics, antivirals, vaccines, and anti-inflammatory medications with reduced dementia risk.
The study suggests that these prescription drugs may reduce inflammation, control infections, and improve brain health, potentially reducing the risk of dementia triggered by viral or bacterial infections. The findings also support the theory that common types of dementia could be triggered by infections, which can cause damage to the brain.
Antivirals and antibiotics help combat infections, while vaccines prevent them from occurring in the first place. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may also protect against memory decline. However, the evidence for other types of drugs is less consistent, with some linked to both lower and higher dementia risk.
The study’s authors emphasize that more research is needed to confirm their findings and better understand how these prescription drugs influence dementia risk. Randomized controlled trials will be crucial in determining whether these drugs can be repurposed to prevent dementia effectively.
This research highlights the importance of addressing inflammation and infections as part of a broader strategy for maintaining brain health, and offers hope in the fight against dementia by finding new uses for existing drugs.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/some-drugs-seem-to-lower-risk-of-dementia-a-neuroscientist-explains-why