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Booming | The latest on preventing Alzheimer's in the Courier Journal, Anita Curpier, June 25, 2015

Excerpts:
"The immune system attacks structures that are altered in some way, changing their appearance and making it seem like they are a foreign invader. This occurs with atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries with cholesterol and other debris), the underlying cause of the vast majority of heart attacks.

The process begins when cholesterol from LDL (the bad kind of cholesterol) finds its way into the arterial wall where it is altered. In response, white blood cells of the immune system known as macrophages invade the artery wall and start to gobble up the cholesterol. This causes a cascade of immune responses that attracts more macrophages to the area, resulting in inflammation and damage to the artery that over time reduces the diameter, interfering with blood flow.

Scientists believe that something similar may occur in the brain. Microglia, close relatives of macrophages, swarm around damaged areas of the brain, gobbling up cells damaged by Alzheimer's disease. Sounds good, but just like in the arterial walls, the microglia may get too feisty and stir up inflammation that damages surrounding brain cells that are healthy, accelerating the effects of Alzheimer's.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

One way to try to counteract inflammation is with NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). For example, a low-dose aspirin can reduce inflammation and prevent spontaneous blood clotting. This has been quite popular, but more recently concerns about internal bleeding and other complications have caused doctors to be more cautious. As such, do not start taking NSAIDS regularly on your own without consulting your doctor.

Can NSAIDS help the brain? Hard to say at this point. Some research findings suggest that NSAIDs might be helpful as older folks who took them appeared to have a lower incidence of Alzheimer's. One study reported that the NSAID, naproxen, was effective. Other studies say no. There can be many explanations for inconsistent findings, like when the drugs are taken. If Alzheimer's already has a significant foothold, the drugs many not be helpful."

Article at:
http://www.courier-journal.com/