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Indomethacin and cognitive function in healthy elderly volunteers
P N Bruce-Jones1, P Crome, L Kalra
1Orpington Clinical Age Research Unit (Kings College School of Medicine and Dentistry), Orpington Hospital, Kent.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Indomethacin may improve sensorimotor coordination and short-term memory in healthy elderly volunteers. Cognitive function, including attention and psychomotor speed, remained unaffected by indomethacin (I) and placebo (P).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like indomethacin are widely used.
- Potential cognitive side effects of NSAIDs in the elderly warrant investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of single and multiple doses of indomethacin on cognitive function in healthy elderly volunteers.
- To investigate changes in arousal, attention, integration, coordination, memory, and mood.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study with 20 healthy elderly volunteers.
- Cognitive assessments using psychomotor tests and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
- Evaluations conducted before and after acute and 7-day treatment courses.
Main Results:
- Indomethacin significantly lowered critical flicker fusion threshold compared to placebo.
- Improved choice reaction time latency was observed with indomethacin.
- Enhanced performance on a paired word association test in younger participants (55-65 years).
Conclusions:
- Indomethacin may enhance sensorimotor coordination and short-term memory in healthy elderly individuals.
- Attention and psychomotor speed appear unaffected by indomethacin.
- Further studies in rheumatic patients are needed to confirm these psychomotor effects in clinical settings.