Common pain medications do not
prevent Alzheimer's disease
Over-the-counter pain medication
naproxen and prescription pain reliever celecoxib do not prevent Alzheimer's
disease, according to a study. These findings appear to contradict
earlier observational studies, which found sustained use of non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may have a protective effect against
Alzheimer's disease.
The trial involved more than 2,100 people over age 70 with no signs of
dementia, but a family history of Alzheimer's disease. The participants were
randomly assigned daily doses of naproxen, celecoxib, or placebo for up to
four years, but most participants had received the treatments for less than
two years.
The study found neither treatment was associated with a reduction in
Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The findings appear to be inconsistent with
other studies suggesting reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease among people who
take NSAIDs over a long period of time.
"One possible explanation for this inconsistency is that our findings relate
specifically to celecoxib and naproxen, but not to other commonly used NSAIDs,
such as ibuprofen. Or the drugs may not prevent the progression of disease in
people who have advanced Alzheimer's pathology without symptoms, the very
people most likely to develop symptoms within a year or two," said John
Breitner, with VA Puget Sound Health Care.
"While long-term follow-up of our study's participants is essential, for now
we suggest celecoxib and naproxen not be taken to primarily prevent
Alzheimer's disease," said Constantine Lyketsos.
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