Common NSAID shows promise in treating Alzheimers

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Many women who suffer from menstrual pain turn to mefenamic acid, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), for relief during their monthly period.

It appears, though, that the common anti-inflammatory drug also shows promise as treatment for Alzheimer's disease, a condition that currently affects more than 5 million Americans and has no available cure.

The drug works by targeting an inflammatory pathway known as NLRP3 inflammasome, which is known to damage brain cells.

In a new animal study, David Brough, from The University of Manchester, and colleagues found that the drug can completely reverse memory loss and brain inflammation, the hallmark changes observed in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

The results suggest that inflammation causes the neurological disease to get worse, and treatment of the inflammation may reduce its effects.

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