Does Indomethacin Retard Disease Progression in Alzheimer's Disease?

Project Summary

Many studies have suggested that inflammatory mechanisms could play an important role in the deterioration of the brain in AD. Recent epidemiological studies in patients with arthritis found that the incidence of AD was lower than expected, possibly due to the long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Small clinical studies have provided evidence to support this idea. Dr. Kremer is conducting tests to determine whether the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin will slow the progression of mild or moderate AD. He is evaluating the effect of indomethacin on the decline of memory, behavior and functional status of patients with mild to moderate AD. Dr. Kremer will also evaluate the safety of long-term indomethacin treatment in patients with AD. If indomethacin is successful in treating early to moderate Alzheimer's disease, it would provide a cheap and effective medication for treating patients even in some of the poorest countries in the world.