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Alzheimer's disease(AD)lesions are characterized by the presence of numerous inflammatory proteins.This has led to the hypothesis that brain inflammation is a cause of neuronal injury in AD and that anti- inflammatory drugs may act as protective agents.Seventeen epidemiologic studies from nine different countries have now been published in which arthritis,a major indication for the use of anti-inflammatory drugs,or anti-inflammatory drugs themselves have been considered risk factors for AD.Nevertheless,population-based studies with rheumatoid arthritis and NSAID use as risk factors strongly supported the results of case-control studies.These data suggest anti-inflammatory drugs may have a protective effect against AD.Controlled clinical trials will be necessary to test this possibility. |
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