Cognitive Status is Better in Older Adults under Colchicine Treatment: A Case-Control Study

We aimed to investigate the effects of colchicine, an important anti-inflammatory agent, on cognitive functions in a geriatric population diagnosed with gout or osteoarthritis by comparing it to non-colchicine users.

138 geriatric patients (67 colchicine users and 71 non-users) were enrolled. Within comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), cognitive status assessment via Mini-Mental State Examination test (MMSE), Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment Screening test (Qmci), clock drowning test (CDT), and digit span tests were performed.

Median age was 68 (65-72), and there were 82 female (59.4%) patients. The scores of CDT, Backward Digit Span Test, MMSE-Total, MMSE-Attention, MMSE-Motor Function, Qmci-Total Score, Qmci-Clock drawing, and Qmci-Logical Memory were significantly higher in the colchicine user group (p < .005), showing better cognitive function. Adjusted model analysis showed that colchicine usage is independently correlated with higher Qmci-Total Score and Qmci-Logical Memory Score (For Qmci total score β = 7.87 95%CI = 5.48-10.27, p = <0.0001, and for Qmci Logical memory score β = 3.52, 95%CI = 2.12-4.91, p = <0.0001).

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study revealing that colchicine usage is associated with better cognitive performance in older adults. Further investigations with a prospective, larger-sampled and randomized design are needed to show the causal relationship between colchicine and cognition.