A new study has offered hope that certain types of arthritis drugs could reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

The research, which was carried out by the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, found that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help combat Alzheimer’s.

The Study

The study revealed that people who frequently used the anti-inflammatory drugs were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who did not use them.

The research was carried out over a period of 12 years, and the results showed that patients who used NSAIDs were 50% less likely to develop the disease.

The study also found that the protective effect of the drugs was greater in people who had a specific variant of the gene APOE, which is linked to Alzheimer’s. These people had a 70% lower risk of developing the disease when they took NSAIDs.

The Drug Options

NSAIDs, which are widely used to treat joint pain, are relatively inexpensive and readily available. They are also easy to take, as they are available over the counter.

However, the drugs are not risk-free, and there is debate over their safety and effectiveness. Long-term use of NSAIDs is known to cause stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems.

There are alternative drugs, such as statins, which could also help prevent Alzheimer’s. However, these drugs have a different mechanism of action and are not as effective as NSAIDs.

Conclusion

This study is a step forward in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that drugs used to treat other conditions may also offer significant protective benefits.

However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of action and side-effects of these drugs. For now, patients should only take NSAIDs under the guidance of a doctor and should weigh the benefits against the risks.

It is hoped that the findings of this study will lead to new treatments that can slow down or even prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

In the meantime, researchers will continue to investigate the link between inflammation and Alzheimer’s and look for new ways to protect the brain from the damage caused by the disease.