Aspirin Proved Ineffective In Preventing Depression

Aspirin proved ineffective in preventing depression

Taking 100 milligrams of aspirin daily did not reduce the risk of depression in older adults in a new study. At the same time, scientists still do not exclude the "inflammatory" nature of the development of depression.

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Scientists speculate that inflammation may be one of the possible causes of depression. Accordingly, anti-inflammatory drugs are considered as potential agents for the prevention and treatment of this disease.

A new study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, found that regular doses of aspirin - a drug with potent anti-inflammatory properties - at low doses does not prevent depression in older adults. But scientists believe it's too early to abandon the inflammatory theory of depression.

The new study is part of a larger ASPREE trial, which was designed to determine the effectiveness of aspirin in the prevention of various diseases.

Millions of people waste aspirin

We are talking about those who drink it to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

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The authors looked at data from nearly 20,000 people aged 65 or over who were followed for approximately 4.7 years. The analysis showed that among people who take 100 milligrams of aspirin a day, depression is about as common as people who take a placebo. The prevalence of hospitalization for depression was approximately the same among participants in both groups.

Michael Berk of Deakin University, co-author of the study, believes the study does not address the issue of inflammation and anti-inflammatory drugs for depression. He noted that there are other anti-inflammatories that may still show themselves.

Burke points out that there may be distinct subgroups of people in whom inflammation plays a special role in the development of depression. Therefore, specific drugs may still be effective in studies with other populations.