Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the risk of Parkinson disease

Abstract

Background: Several lines of evidence suggest a role of inflammatory processes in Parkinson disease, although it is still unclear whether inflammation is a cause or rather a consequence of neurodegeneration.

Methods: In a prospective population-based cohort study among 6,512 participants aged >or=55 years, with repeated in-person examination, we evaluated the association between cumulative use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the risk of Parkinson disease. Complete information on filled prescriptions was available from automated pharmacy records. Data were analyzed by means of Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, smoking habits and coffee consumption.

Results: After an average 9.4 years of follow-up, 88 new cases of Parkinson disease were detected. No association was found between use of NSAIDs and the risk of Parkinson disease (adjusted hazard ratio for any NSAID use, 1.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-2.37).

Conclusion: Our findings do not support the hypothesis that NSAIDs might decrease the risk of Parkinson disease.