Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Sounds premature

This article seems to involve a little too much self-promotion, but if true, it's good news:
A Vancouver-based research team led by Canada's most cited neuroscientist, Dr. Patrick McGeer, has successfully carried out studies suggesting that, if started early enough, a daily regimen of the non-prescription NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) ibuprofen can prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease. This means that by taking an over-the-counter medication, people can ward off a disease that, according to Alzheimer's Disease International's World Alzheimer Report 2016, affects an estimated 47 million people worldwide, costs health care systems worldwide more than US$818 billion per year and is the fifth leading cause of death in those aged 65 or older.
It actually goes on to talk more about testing saliva to see if people are likely to develop Alzheimer's, rather than the protective effects of ibuprofen.  Seems very PR department written, if you ask me...

2 comments:

John said...

Steve it is never going to be that simple. Besides, long term use of NSAIDs may well cause cardiovascular disease.

I agree, PR, probably another grant seeking exercise.

TimT said...

I wonder. There's been talk about the possibility of a pill to ward off Alzheimer's deterioration for years, and it could have applicability in other neuro-degenerative conditions as well. Interesting research anyway.