A widely-used pain reliever may enhance memory and cognitive abilities, according to a recent study.
Ibuprofen, which serves as an anti-inflammatory used to alleviate headaches, toothaches, back pain, and cold symptoms, might also enhance reaction speeds according to researchers.
The advantages for health are so substantial, they indicate, that the supplements can be as beneficial for mental function as reducing hypertension.
Nevertheless, using acetaminophen, a widely used analgesic, had the contrary impact and might potentially impair memory function.
The University College London A study investigated the cognitive impacts of widely used medications on approximately half a million individuals in the United Kingdom.
Scientists discovered that medications utilized for alleviating pain and reducing inflammation, osteoarthritis Heart disease, asthma, allergies, and hypertension could potentially yield the most significant benefits.
The non-prescription analgesic paracetammol and the prescribed anti-depressant fluoxetine showed the highest negative impacts on cognitive functions such as memory and problem-solving abilities.
Scientists indicate that their findings merely highlight an association between the medications and certain effects, without proving direct causation. However, they emphasize that clinical trials for all new drugs should examine possible impacts on the brain, enabling physicians to select the most suitable treatments for their patients.
Martin Rossor, the lead neurologist behind the study, stated: "Commonly prescribed medications could potentially cause substantial cognitive issues. Since these drugs see extensive use and often result in negative cognitive outcomes, it would be prudent to incorporate regular evaluations of mental function into clinical trial protocols."
Very few studies have explored the impact of widely used drugs on cognition. A major challenge lies in the fact that these substances are typically consumed predominantly by elderly individuals who often take multiple medications simultaneously. This makes it difficult to determine whether observed effects result from one specific drug or an interaction among several.
Any adverse effects on cognitive function might also be incorrectly blamed on aging.
The research, supported by the charitable organization The Health Foundation, analyzed health records of approximately 540,000 individuals ranging from children to adults up to 73 years old. This comprehensive dataset encompassed details regarding their medications as well as their performance in assessments gauging aspects such as reflexes, recall, cognitive functions, and analytical capabilities.
The performance of individuals taking the medications was contrasted with those not using the drug.
The findings, as reported in the journal Brain And Behaviour, indicated that individuals using one of ten commonly prescribed medications outperformed those not taking these drugs in cognitive assessments.
Pain relievers such as aspirin, codeine, and diclofenac—which goes by the brand name Voltaren—also provided beneficial effects.
Omega-3 triglycerides, utilized to address heart conditions; glucosamine for managing osteoarthritis; atorvastatin for reducing cholesterol levels; omeprazole for alleviating heartburn; and lansoprazole, an anti-indigestion medication—all showed beneficial effects. Individuals who took a multivitamin similarly experienced advantages.
The medication amitriptyline, used for treating migraines, was also associated with the most significant adverse effects.
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