Cognitive Status is Better in Older Adults under Colchicine Treatment: A Case-Control Study

Purpose We aimed to investigate the effects of colchicine, an important anti-inflammatory agent, on cognitive functions in a geriatric population diagnosed with gout or osteoarthritis by comparing it to non-colchicine users.Methods 138 geriatric patients (67 colchicine users and 71 non-users) were enrolled. Within comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), cognitive status assessment via Mini-Mental State Examination test (MMSE), Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment Screening test (Qmci), clock drowning test (CDT), and digit span tests were performed.Results Median age was 68 (65–72), and there were 82 female (59.4%) patients. The scores of CDT, Backward Digit Span Test, MMSE-Total, MMSE-Attention, MMSE-Motor Function, Qmci-Total Score, Qmci-Clock drawing, and Qmci-Logical Memory were significantly higher in the colchicine user group (p < .005), showing better cognitive function. Adjusted model analysis showed that colchicine usage is independently correlated with higher Qmci-Total Score and Qmci-Logical Memory Score (For Qmci total score β = 7.87 95%CI = 5.48–10.27, p = <0.0001, and for Qmci Logical memory score β = 3.52, 95%CI = 2.12–4.91, p = <0.0001).Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study revealing that colchicine usage is associated with better cognitive performance in older adults. Further investigations with a prospective, larger-sampled and randomized design are needed to show the causal relationship between colchicine and cognition.