Center for Healthy MindsDenise Park

#7 Anti-inflammatory Drugs.
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Some studies suggest that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, may help to protect against the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease. One large-scale study found an 80% reduction in risk of developing Alzheimer's over a seven year period among adults 55 years and older who had been using NSAIDs for two years or more. Older adults already diagnosed with Alzheimer's also seem to benefit from regular NSAID use, showing slower rates of cognitive decline. Although more research remains to be done in this area to ensure that the benefits outweigh the potential risks, current data suggest that long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs may be more effective than short-term or sporadic use.

Further Reading:


In't Veld, B. A., et al. (2001). Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and the risk of Alzheimer's disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 345, 1515-1521.

Etminan, M., Gill, S., & Samii, A. (2003). Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on risk of Alzheimer's disease: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. British Medical Journal, 327, 128-132.

Rich, J. B., et al. (1995). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in Alzheimer's disease. Neorology, 45, 51-55.


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