One study looked at the use of Celebrex and Aleve, but it was halted in 2004 because heart risks emerged in other studies using these drugs. Still, enough data had been collected to do some analyses, which were recently released. The data indicated that the drugs did not benefit thinking skills, nor did they prevent Alzheimer's.
Another study, published in the May 6, 2008, issue of Neurology, is the longest study of its kind and examined NSAID use and risk for Alzheimer's over a five-year period. The researchers found mixed results for different kinds of NSAIDs, with ibuprofen showing the most benefit. However, other NSAIDs showed no benefit, and the researchers noted that NSAID use may not have accounted for the reduced Alzheimer's risk -- it could have been something else about the participants that influenced the results.
A third study that was part of the Cardiovascular Health Study explored the association between NSAIDs, acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol), and aspirin and the incidence of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Interestingly, the use of NSAIDs was linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's, but not vascular dementia. Furthermore, the only participants who benefited from NSAID use were those who carried ApoE 4, a gene that increases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's, but does not guarantee it. No effects were found for acetaminophen or aspirin.
What does this all mean? We don't really know if NSAIDs reduce the risk for Alzheimer's and other dementias. They may benefit some people, but more research is needed to determine under what conditions NSAID therapy might be beneficial. We do know that NSAIDs, while helpful in reducing pain, also pose serious risks such as gastrointestinal bleeding. Luckily, adopting habits such as a healthy diet and a regular exercise regimen are safer lifestyle changes we can make.
Sources:
Ibuprofen linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. American Academy of Neurology. May 5, 2008. http://www.aan.com/press/index.cfm?fuseaction=release.view&release=624
Painkillers don't help slow dementia, study says: Scientists had hoped anti-inflammatory drugs might prevent Alzheimer's. Associated Press. May 12, 2008. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24580267/
Szekely, C. A., Breitner, J. C. S., Fitzpatrick, A. L., Rea, T. D., Psaty, B. M., Kuller, L. H., & Zandi, P. P. (2007). NSAID use and dementia risk in the Cardiovascular Health Study: Role of APOE and NSAID type. Neurology, 70, 17-24. http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/70/1/17?maxtoshow=&HITS=25&hits=25&RESULTFORMAT=&andorexacttitle=and&andorexacttitleabs=and&fulltext=aricept%2C+alzheimer%2Cdementia%2Cbrain%2Ctau%2Camyloid&andorexactfulltext=or&searchid=1&usestrictdates=yes&resourcetype=HWCIT&ct
