Previous observational studies reported that sustained use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may have a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease.

Contradictory to that claim is the result of a new study suggesting that OTC pain medication naproxen and prescription pain reliever celecoxib do not prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Conducted at six dementia research clinics across the United States (involving more than 2,100 people over age 70 with no signs of dementia, but a family history of Alzheimer's disease) found neither treatment was associated with a reduction in Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

According to study author Constantine Lyketsos, MD, MHS, with Johns Hopkins Bayview Hospital and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland:

"Although our study was conducted to test the hypothesis that celecoxib or naproxen would reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's disease, these results indicate no such effect, at least within the first few years after treatment begins.

While long-term follow-up of our study's participants is essential, for now we suggest celecoxib and naproxen not be taken to primarily prevent Alzheimer's disease."

Study results have been published April 25, 2007 in the online edition of Neurology® -the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Read the full report.