The study involved 351 patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s. Neither arthritis drug rofecoxib, sold by Merck as Vioxx, nor the over-the-counter painkiller naproxen, sold by Bayer as Aleve, was able to slow mental decline.

The drugs are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is believed that inflammation contributes to the brain damage that signals Alzheimer’s and that NSAIDs might be useful in fighting the disease.

However, according to researchers, after one year of treatment, neither rofecoxib nor naproxen slowed patients’ mental decline compared with a placebo.

Moreover, along with the drugs’ lack of benefit, they also carry a risk of side effects. In the study, participants who took the drugs were more likely to experience high blood pressure, dizziness, fatigue and dry mouth than patients who took placebo. Other well-established side effects of regular NSAID use include stomach upset, ulcers and bleeding.

Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, occurs when deposits known as amyloid plaques accumulate in the brain. The deposits can begin to form years before symptoms appear, and it is thought that inflammatory mechanisms contribute to the buildup of the plaques, though research findings to that extents have not been conclusive.

Researchers concluded that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease should not take NSAIDs to treat their disease.

Alzheimer's disease currently affects more than 4 million people and there is no known cure. It is estimated that the number of cases of Alzheimer’s will reach 14 million by 2050 until a cure or prevention is found.

JAMA June 4, 2003;289:2819-2826,2865-2867

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

The number of people with Alzheimer's is expected to triple over the next 30 to 40 years so this is an important topic. It’s also a classic example of a drug being promoted for a chronic health problem, then later being discovered to not work. Last week we had another JAMA article showing that hormone replacement therapy with synthetic progesterone, which had long been promoted for treating the same problem, actually increased Alzheimer’s disease. Early reports suggested that the anti-inflammatory meds (NSAIDs) were useful for Alzheimer’s and now we find out that, just like hormone replacement therapy, it was a giant hoax perpetrated by the drug companies to sell their wares to an unsuspecting American populace. As you can see by the links below, we have a vast number of simple foundational issues we can improve upon before we need to go experimenting with unproven, expensive meds that in no way, shape or form prevent Alzheimer’s. Ultimately, these drugs only serve to deepen the pockets of the drug companies and weaken your health. Related Articles: Mercury Contributes To Alzheimer's Disease! Low Folate Levels Linked to Alzheimer's Disease Aluminum and Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease Fluoride Also Responsible for Alzheimer's Disease New Research Connects Mercury To Alzheimer's Disease! Keep Active to Avoid Alzheimer's Alzheimer's Epidemic is Coming Vegetarian Diet May Increase Alzheimers Risk Ginkgo for Alzheimer's Disease