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NSAIDs may protect against age-related brain atrophy
Barbara B Bendlin1, Lisa M Newman, Michele L Ries
1William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center Madison, WI, USA.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
|September 30, 2010
Summary
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may protect the brain. This study found NSAID users had greater gray matter volume, particularly in the hippocampus, compared to non-users.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are linked to reduced microglia and amyloid burden in animal models.
- Previous research suggests NSAIDs may protect brain regions vulnerable in early Alzheimer's disease (AD), such as the hippocampus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential protective effects of NSAID use on gray matter volume in middle-aged and older adults.
- To compare brain volume differences between NSAID users and non-user controls.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Neuropsychological testing and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed on 25 NSAID users and 50 non-user controls.
- Analysis of gray matter volume, focusing on hippocampal and medial temporal lobe regions.
Main Results:
- Non-user controls exhibited smaller gray matter volume in parts of the left hippocampus compared to NSAID users.
- Age-related gray matter volume loss was more pronounced in controls, especially in the medial temporal lobe, than in NSAID users.
- Preliminary findings suggest NSAIDs may influence age-related brain volume changes.
Conclusions:
- NSAID use may be associated with preserved gray matter volume, particularly in the hippocampus.
- These results support previous evidence suggesting a neuroprotective role for NSAIDs against age-related brain volume loss.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.
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