Study: Ibuprofen, Other NSAIDs May Cut Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen may protect against Alzheimer's disease, according to a study presented March 31 at the American Academy of Neurology annual Meeting in Honolulu.

University of Toronto and University of Washington researchers collected data from nine studies that evaluated the use of NSAIDs in 15,834 patients with Alzheimer's disease.

NSAIDs cut the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 28 percent, while aspirin alone reduced the risk by 13 percent, according to the study.

The researchers said aspirin may not be as beneficial as other NSAIDs because its anti-inflammatory effect is weaker at the lower doses commonly prescribed for the prevention of cardiovascular events.

Other sources: American Academy of Neurology