Ibuprofen For Alzheimer's Disease
Ibuprofen is an over the
counter medication used to treat pain. Chemically, it is a
non-steroidal,anti-inflammatory agent. Ibuprofen reduces the inflammation
associated with injury. Ibuprofen use reduces the risk for alzheimer's disease
[97]. Another study finds that ibuprofen reduces the risk of getting alzheimer's
disease up to 60 percent [98].
Ibuprofen may reduce risk
by its anti-inflammatory actions. This action is important because the brain of
alzheimer patients seems to be characterized by a state of inflammation. For
example, interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor, two inflammatory proteins, are
found to be increased in alzheimer brains.
Ibuprofen also
seems to act as an antioxidant, since a recent study has shown that it can
protect cells from peroxidation[99]. Ibuprofen has also been given to alzheimer
mice. These mice have genes inserted in their DNA, which cause the deposition of
amyloid deposits in the brain, similar to that seen in alzheimer brains.
Ibuprofen reduces the deposition of amyloid in such mice [100].