NSAIDS for Alzheimer's: Reason for Cautious Optimism

Alzheimer's Association
Thursday, 20 March 1997

A study published in the March 1997 issue of the journal Neurology shows a potential reduction in risk for developing Alzheimer's disease among people who used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. These results suggest that analgesics may one day play a role in delaying the onset and possibly preventing this disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. The data was presented at the International Conference on Inflammopharmacology and the Fifth Symposium on the Side Effects of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in San Francisco.

"Although NSAIDs offer potential promise as a strategy for the prevention or delayed onset of Alzheimer's disease, further research is needed to clarify the specific factors that may have contributed to these study results," said Walter Stewart, Ph.D., adjunct professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and Hygiene and lead investigator of the study.

"Although healthcare professionals and consumers alike are excited about the study's results, many critical pieces of the puzzle have not yet been revealed," said Edward Truschke, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "The study certainly is encouraging, but more data are needed before the medical community can issue any definitive conclusions or recommendations concerning the use of NSAIDs in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease."

"We recognize that any treatment with the potential to delay the onset of Alzheimer symptoms could add many more years of active life to those with the disease, as well as save billions in healthcare dollars. Because we need more data and research on NSAIDS' ability to delay Alzheimer's, the Alzheimer's Association does not recommend use of these drugs in fighting the disease at this time," Truschke said.

Healthcare professionals and consumers may have questions about whether differences in the type of NSAID, dosage level, and duration of use would affect the observed preventive effect. They can locate their local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association by calling (800) 272-3900.

The International Conference on Inflammopharmacology is an opportunity for leading researchers from around the world to discuss the latest information on the use, safety and efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Approximately four million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, an incurable, degenerative disease of the brain that destroys memory, cognitive abilities, and judgment. It is estimated that more than 14 million Americans will have the disease by the middle of the next century unless a cure or prevention is found.

The Alzheimer's Association is the largest national voluntary health organization dedicated to research for the causes, treatments, prevention and cure of Alzheimer's disease and to providing education and support services to the four million Americans with the disease, their families and caregivers. You can reach the Alzheimer's Association at (800) 272-3900.

For more information, or to contact Alzheimer's Association, see their website at: www.alz.org