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Last Updated: Oct 6, 2008 - 12:00:27 PM |
MONDAY May 12, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- Don't count on Aleve or Celebrex, two anti-inflammatory painkillers, to ward off the mental decline related to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. A new study published in the Archives of Neurology said the drugs do not help at all.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) when used for long periods can pose health risks such as stomach bleeding and kidney problems. But studies conducted early suggested that this type pf drugs may lower the risk of developing the memory-wasting disease.
The current study led by Barbara Martin of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and colleagues showed these two drugs provided no protective effect.
Even worse, Aleve, also known as naproxen, may have had a negative impact. The researchers found those who took two doses of Aleve daily scored slightly lower on tests of mental functioning than those who taking placebo or celecoxib (Celebrex).
The four-year study involved 2,117 people aged 70 or older with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease.
Another study published by another team at Boston University School of Medicine in the journal Neurology showed ibuprofen sold as Advil or Motrin when used for at least five years could cut the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, an age-related disease that has no cure, by 40 percent.
Some other NSAIDS, but not Celebrex, also reduced the risk by 25 percent.
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