Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs - Possible Protective Factors: Alzheimers

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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Nine studies suggest that using pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and others) or naproxen (Aleve) can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. These medications, called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), block enzymes that promote inflammation, pain, and fevers. Scientists suspect that NSAIDs protect against Alzheimer's by reducing brain inflammation that may occur during the disease's development. In addition, there is experimental evidence that ibuprofen decreases the production and accumulation of beta-amyloid.

People who reported taking ibuprofen and other nonaspirin NSAIDs lowered their risk of developing Alzheimer's by as much as 60% in a large 16-year study involving 1,828 participants, which was conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Aging.

But it's too early to recommend NSAIDs for Alzheimer's prevention. Because all nine studies mentioned were observational, their findings are not considered conclusive. In addition, NSAID medications have a variety of side effects; for example, frequent use of naproxen and celecoxib (Celebrex) may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Concern about safety led the National Institutes of Health to suspend enrollment in a large study evaluating the potential of these drugs to prevent Alzheimer's disease. However, the researchers are still following people who enrolled in the study before recruitment was suspended to learn whether the drugs can safely reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.

Last updated:	January 23, 2007