Use of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in old age

The importance of NSAIDs has increased due to the aging of the population, since these drugs are very frequently used by the elderly. Some potential new indications in aging (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, tumour prevention and modification of impaired cellular immunity) are reviewed. The causes of increased adverse effects of NSAIDs in old age (e.g. decreased production and effectiveness of prostaglandins, decreased nitrogen oxide production and decreased pain sensation) are analyzed.