The school tested the effect of the anti-inflammatory drug naproxen on 200 participants who were at risk of developing the disease but were not yet showing symptoms.
The study's authors say the two-year clinical trial turned up no evidence that taking the common drug, which is sold under the brand name Aleve, had any effect on the disease's progression when compared to a placebo. The school says researchers have known for decades that inflammation accompanies Alzheimer's brain lesions, which led to the hypothesis that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs could help stop or prevent the disease.
But the researchers say subsequent clinical trials all point to the conclusion that the drugs don't make a difference, regardless of whether the patients are already experiencing cognitive impairment. Lead author Dr. John Breitner says the results suggest that researchers will have to look elsewhere in their search for a much-needed way to prevent the disease.