Can everyday medicines like Ibuprofen protect your brain from dementia? New research suggests hope

Study suggests people already taking common drugs like ibuprofen, certain antivirals, or flu vaccines seemed to have a consistently lower risk of developing dementia (Image: Pexels)

Did you know that the answer to one of the most feared brain diseases may be sitting in your medicine cabinet? Instead of chasing brand-new drugs, researchers are relooking at medicines already in use, from cancer treatments to diabetes meds, and finding signs they might just protect the ageing brain against dementia.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Exeter joined hands to track over 130 million people and nearly a million diagnosed dementia cases. They found that people already taking common drugs like ibuprofen, certain antivirals, or flu vaccines seemed to have a consistently lower risk of developing dementia. These results were seen across multiple datasets and groups.

As per the research, instead of relying solely on new pharmaceutical breakthroughs, which can take 10–15 years to reach patients, scientists now have a shortcut worth testing. Medicines that are already licensed for other conditions can enter dementia trials far more quickly, having already passed safety approvals. Dr Ben Underwood, part of the Cambridge team, said, “If we can find drugs already licensed for other conditions, we can get them into trials much, much faster.”

Similarly, a joint UK study published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions found that antibiotics, anti‑inflammatories, and antivirals were associated with a reduced onset of dementia.

Also Read: World Brain Day: Memory lapse in your 30s? How to decode early clues

6 ways everyday medicines may protect memory

Cancer pills show results: Two cancer drugs, letrozole and irinotecan, were found to reverse Alzheimer’s-like memory damage in mice. Older patients on these meds were also less likely to get dementia, sparking urgent interest in trials.

Ibuprofen sparks curiosity: This everyday painkiller may offer more than relief. Data hinted at anti-inflammatory effects that might help the brain fight off dementia-linked damage. It’s now under review in clinical settings.

Flu vaccines offer bonus: Vaccines, especially flu and pneumonia jabs, were tied to better brain health in older adults. It could be due to their immune-boosting effect, protecting not just the lungs, but cognition too.

Diabetes meds pull double duty: Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, already known for blood sugar and weight control, now show a surprising dementia-protective edge, cutting risk by up to 45% in some patients.

Antibiotics and antivirals surprise scientists: Antiviral drugs used to treat infections were associated with delayed onset of dementia in large-scale studies. Antibiotics also showed links, pointing to inflammation and infection as key players in brain ageing.

Focus shifts from plaques: For years, dementia research focused solely on amyloid plaques. These new findings suggest immunity, metabolism, and gut health could be just as important, leading to fresh thinking in how we treat the disease.
However, it’s still early to call these drugs a cure. But for now, the idea that familiar medicines might protect memory is more than wishful thinking, it’s backed by research and studies.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.