People who have taken common over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen over several years may have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to a study reported in the March 31 issue of Neuroscience.

UCLA researchers believe that these non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may dissolve the brain lesions or amyloid plaques that are believed to lead to the disorientation and progressive memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Lead researcher Dr. Jorge R. Barrio, a UCLA professor of molecular and medical pharmacology, said the discovery provides a unique opportunity to develop new, more efficient drugs designed to destroy and prevent plaque formation.

The researchers made their findings after taking Alzheimer's diseased brain fibers and adding anti-inflammatory drugs and a new chemical marker to highlight the plaques with a fluorescent glow.

The researcher's next step will be to monitor therapeutic drugs in a group of Alzheimer's patients and compare results with those of unaffected individuals and patients with other dementias.

Other sources: UCLA Health Sciences