Alzheimer’s is one of modern man’s most dreaded diseases. It is the seventh leading cause of death, and experts suggest 5.3 million Americans already have the brain-wasting disease. With an aging population, cases of Alzheimer’s are expected to skyrocket in coming years. But on the positive side, chances are good that medications you already take, such as ibuprofen, may lower your odds of developing Alzheimer's disease. Of course you shouldn't consider taking any of these medications solely for their possible anti-Alzheimer's benefits, but if you're already taking them, fighting Alzheimer's could be a positive side effect. Studies have shown these commonly prescribed drugs may help:
Ibuprofen. A study conducted at Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University School of Public Health, and Bedford Veterans Affairs Medical Center found that older adults who were long-term users of ibuprofen, a common over-the-counter pain reliever, decreased their risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Study participants who used ibuprofen daily for five years lowered their odds by 44 percent. The study of 49,000 veterans aged 55 years and older found that while other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were helpful, they weren’t as effective as ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin). Doctors theorized that ibuprofen reduced inflammation which can cause plaque to build in the brain.
High blood pressure medications. A study of more than 819,000 veterans with heart disease at Boston University School of Medicine found that patients taking blood pressure drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) significantly lowered their risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia when compared to patients taking an ACE inhibitor called lisinopril or other heart medications. ARB drugs include Diovan (valsartan) and Atacand (candesartan).
Men who took an ARB reduced their risk of dementia by 24 percent, and ACE inhibitors lowered the risk by 19 percent. The researchers found that when ARBs were combined with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, the risk of dementia was reduced by almost half, and patients who already had dementia or Alzheimer’s were two-thirds less likely to be admitted to nursing facilities.
