Inflammation May Cause Alzheimer’s Disease
Inflammation has been linked with heart disease and cancer, the two major killers of our time. Now, a recent study (Nature Med. 2000;6(9):973-974) has found that people who took a daily dose of ibuprofen had a reduced incidence of Alzheimerís disease as compared to the general population.
Since ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug, this study suggests that inflammation, probably of the brain, can lead to senile dementia and, therefore, that controlling such inflammation can have a protective effect.
The question is then whether a drug like ibuprofen is a wise choice for long-term protection from inflammation since its side effects include an increased risk of stomach ulcers.
Future research is likely to show that a complex set of causes interact to trigger inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. In the meantime, avoiding allergic foods, eating a diet low in sugar and junk food, and balancing body chemistry through a targeted supplement program may be our best plan of action. If needed, dietary supplements – such as fish oil and the pineapple enzyme bromelain – are strong natural anti-inflammatories that have no adverse side effects.
