NSAID may reverse brain inflammation, Alzheimer's

Remy

Administrator
This article says "commonly prescribed NSAID" but I've never heard of mefanamic acid.

It's also used for migraine prevention too.

I've never heard of the NLRP3 pathway either...wonder what else it is involved in?

A commonly used anti-inflammatory drug could help treat Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests.

Memory loss and brain inflammation in mice were completely reversed when they were given mefenamic acid, a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often used for period pain.

The researchers were working on the idea that inflammation in the brain makes Alzheimer's disease worse.


Memory loss and brain inflammation in mice were completely reversed when they were given mefenamic acid.

This is the first time a drug has been shown to target an important inflammatory pathway called the NLRP3 inflammasome which damages brain cells, the researchers said.

People with Alzheimer's disease find their ability to remember, think and make decisions is hampered as time passes.

Study leader Dr David Brough, of Manchester University, said today: 'Until now, no drug has been available to target this pathway, so we are very excited by this result.

'However, much more work needs to be done until we can say with certainty that it will tackle the disease in humans, as mouse models don't always faithfully replicate the human disease.'

A huge added benefit is that the drug is already available - and research about its toxicity and effect on the body also exists.

This means it could be made available to patients more quickly than a new drug.

The month-long study involved mice which had developed memory problems.

Mefenamic acid is a common anti-inflammatory drug often used for period pain.

One group of 10 mice was treated with mefenamic acid, while another 10 were given a placebo.

The mice were treated at the same time, with the drug administered through a mini-pump implanted under the skin.

Dr Doug Brown, of the Alzheimer's Society, said: 'Testing drugs already in use for other conditions is a priority for Alzheimer's Society - it could allow us to short cut the 15 years or so needed to develop a new dementia drug from scratch.

'These promising lab results identify a class of existing drugs that have potential to treat Alzheimer's disease by blocking a particular part of the immune response.

'These drugs are not without side effects and should not be taken for Alzheimer's disease at this stage - studies in people are needed first.'

The findings are published in the Nature Communications journal.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/a...imers-disease-tests-reveal.html#ixzz4HKAy6C6m
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SueS

Active Member
Ooh, interesting. Don't need a prescription in Australia either. Bonus.

Anyone tried this?
 

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