Millions of people have nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin in their medicine cabinets at home and take them to tackle inflammation and all sorts of aches and pains – headaches, sore muscles, achy joints, cramps, and toothaches – to name a few. Conversations around using NSAIDs and aspirin as a prevention strategy for heart attacks, dementia and cancer have emerged. But is it safe? We investigate what the research says and what the possible side effects are.
Aspirin to prevent heart attacks
You have probably heard that taking a daily dose of aspirin can lower your risk of a heart attack. With about 20% of older adults taking aspirin as a preventative strategy, there is no question that it is commonly prescribed. But do its benefits outweigh its risks? This has been a matter of controversy, especially regarding healthy adults. While aspirin may lower the risk of a heart attack in those without heart disease by a small amount, it does not reduce the risk of death or stroke and may increase the risk of major bleeding, including bleeding in the brain or skull.
Aspirin and other NSAIDs to prevent dementia
In recent years, research has started to focus on inflammation as a cause of dementia and therapies to reduce and control inflammation. These therapies include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, celecoxib (Celebrex), naproxen (Aleve or Anaprox), and rofecoxib (Vioxx). But are these therapies safe and effective? Research suggests that aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may not be effective for dementia prevention and may also have an increased risk of adverse side effects.
While there are no foolproof strategies for dementia prevention, there are non-drug-related strategies that we can use to help boost our cognitive health. These include combined physical activity and brain training for people with or without mild cognitive impairment, visual art therapy and computerized brain games for people with mild cognitive impairment.
Aspirin to prevent cancer
As cancer cases and deaths continue to rise, researchers are focused on identifying strategies that can help prevent and treat various diseases under this broad term. When it comes to prevention, you may be surprised to learn that one highly debated strategy comes in the form of an over-the-counter medication that many of us have readily on hand – aspirin. Like previous findings for stroke and death in people with no heart disease and dementia in healthy older adults, aspirin use doesn’t appear to be protective against developing cancer and continues to be associated with adverse side effects. To help reduce your risk of developing cancer, sit less, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy body weight, consume a nutritious diet, limit/avoid alcohol, avoid/quit smoking, and practice sun safety.
When it comes to taking aspirin as a preventative strategy for heart attacks, dementia and cancer, the potential risks and apparent lack of benefit must be considered. Speak with your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Consider lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk and improve your physical and cognitive health.
