Can NSAIDs contribute to Alzheimer's?

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RArmant - 24 Jun 2005 21:51 GMT

CMAJ June 21, 2005; 172 (13). doi:10.1503/cmaj.050601

Can NSAIDs contribute to Alzheimer's disease?
David Secko

Several years ago it was discovered that some NSAIDs lower the levels of
amyloid ß peptide (Aß). This peptide is a key component of neuritic
plaques, which, along with neurofibrillary tangles and cerebral atrophy,
are a pathologic hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Not all NSAIDs produce
this result, however, and new research reveals that some
cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors actually increase the production of
Aß, an effect comparable to that of mutations thought to cause
Alzheimer's disease.

For more see:
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/172/13/1677

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Bob - 25 Jun 2005 01:54 GMT

>CMAJ June 21, 2005; 172 (13). doi:10.1503/cmaj.050601
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>Aß, an effect comparable to that of mutations thought to cause
>Alzheimer's disease.

Do you know whether it really increases _production_ or simply that it
increases the _amount_ present?? The latter could happen if subsequent
steps were blocked, and that could actually be good.

Be cautious about interpreting the report, unless you know why the
drug increases the level of the amyloid beta peptide.

bob

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