A widely-used pain reliever might enhance memory and cognitive abilities, according to a recent study.

Ibuprofen, which serves as an anti-inflammatory for relieving headaches, toothaches, back pain, and cold symptoms, might also enhance reaction speeds according to researchers.

The advantages for health are so substantial, they argue, that the tablets can be just as beneficial for mental function as reducing hypertension.

Nevertheless, using acetaminophen, another widely used analgesic, showed contrary effects and might potentially deteriorate memory function.

The University College
London
A study examined the cognitive impacts of widely used medications on approximately five hundred thousand individuals in the UK.

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 pain reliever paracetamol and the prescribed antidepressant fluoxetine showed the highest negative impacts on memory and problem-solving abilities.

Researchers indicate that their findings merely hint at an association between the medications and these effects, without definitively proving that the drugs directly cause them. However, they emphasize that clinical trials for all new medicines ought to examine the possible impacts on the brain. This would enable healthcare providers to select the most suitable drugs for their patients based on comprehensive information.

Martin Rossor, the lead author of the study and a neurologist, stated, “Commonly prescribed medications could potentially cause substantial cognitive side effects.” These drugs see widespread use, yet numerous ones can negatively affect mental functions. He suggested that conducting regular evaluations of cognitive function during clinical studies might be essential.

Not much work has been done on how typical drugs impact our thinking processes. A challenge here is that these substances are usually used quite often by elderly individuals who also tend to take several different medicines simultaneously. This makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly what could be triggering the observed effects.

Any negative impacts on cognitive function might also mistakenly be blamed on aging.

The research, supported by the charitable organization The Health Foundation, analyzed health records of approximately 540,000 individuals ranging from young adults to those as old as 73 years. This comprehensive dataset encompassed details regarding their medications along with their performance outcomes in assessments gauging aspects such as response speed, memory retention, logical thinking capabilities, and puzzle-solving aptitudes.

The performance of individuals taking the medications was contrasted with those not utilizing the drug.

The findings, reported in the journal Brain And Behaviour, indicated that individuals using any of ten widely used medications outperformed those not taking them in the assessments.

Pain relievers such as aspirin, codeine, and diclofenac—which is also called Voltaren—were found to be beneficial.

Omega-3 triglycerides, utilized to address heart conditions; glucosamine for managing osteoarthritis; atorvastatin to reduce cholesterol levels; omeprazole for alleviating heartburn; lansoprazole as an anti-indigestion medication; along with individuals who take a multivitamin—all experienced positive outcomes.

The medication amitriptyline, used for treating migraines, was also associated with the most adverse effects.

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