Study Of Pharmacology Effects Of Different Nsaids On Pathophysiology Of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

You may have heard that taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen could reduce your risk for Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, the evidence for this assumption is not very clear-cut. Considering that the three major studies of this theory have reported conflicting results, it may be best to use NSAIDs only for what they were originally intended: treating pain. A systematic search of all available databases and other sources failed to identify any completed randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trials, assessing the efficacy of ibuprofen in AD eligible for inclusion in the review. One double-blind placebo-controlled trial investigating ibuprofen treatment for age-associated memory impairment has been identified, but is yet unfinished and no data are yet available. Other trials assessing the effect of ibuprofen on CSF beta amyloid in cognitively unimpaired individuals and the effect of other NSAIDs such as naproxen and ibuprofen for people with AD are currently underway. In conclusion, data from observational studies are helpful as long as we know little about potentially protective drug effects in Alzheimer’s disease. For the future, placebo-controlled trials for primary prevention are essential. In light of the currently developing large-scale efforts regarding HRT, NSAIDs, HMG-Co-A reductase-inhibiting statins, vitamin E, and Ginkgo biloba, it may prove possible to study most of the suggested hypotheses mentioned in this review. In the meantime, available observational data should be explored further. In particular, prospective, population-based cohort studies with incident case enrollment, genotyping, and adequate and continuous gathering of data on drug use may be important tools to gain more insight into potential agents to treat a disease from which so many people suffer and for which so little therapy is available.