A new study suggests that taking ibuprofen daily might actually help prevent Alzheimer’s disease — one of the most devastating neurological disorders of our time.
The Research Behind the Claim
The study, led by Dr. Patrick McGeer, CEO of Aurin Biotech in Canada, was recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. It proposes that ibuprofen could reduce inflammation triggered by a peptide strongly linked to Alzheimer’s — amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42).
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting an estimated 5.7 million people in the U.S., a number expected to rise to nearly 14 million by 2050. Scientists believe that the accumulation of sticky beta-amyloid proteins in the brain — forming what are known as amyloid plaques — disrupts communication between brain cells, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline.
Dr. McGeer’s team previously discovered that Aβ42 isn’t just found in the brain — it’s also present in saliva, and its levels tend to be higher in individuals at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
This finding led them to propose a simple saliva test that could predict a person’s Alzheimer’s risk years before symptoms appear.
“People who are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s exhibit the same elevated Aβ42 levels as those who already have it,” says Dr. McGeer. “They exhibit those elevated levels throughout their lifetime — so, theoretically, they could get tested anytime.”
How Ibuprofen Might Help
In their latest paper, Dr. McGeer and colleagues suggest that a daily dose of ibuprofen could prevent Alzheimer’s in people with high Aβ42 levels.
Their reasoning: Aβ42 triggers an inflammatory response in the brain — and ibuprofen, as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), could help reduce this inflammation and potentially halt disease progression before it starts.
The researchers envision a simple path to prevention:
Take the saliva test around age 55 (about 10 years before Alzheimer’s symptoms usually appear).
If Aβ42 levels are high, begin a daily ibuprofen regimen to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.
“We recommend that people get tested at age 55,” says Dr. McGeer. “If they exhibit elevated Aβ42 levels, that’s the time to begin taking daily ibuprofen to ward off the disease.”
He calls the saliva test a “true breakthrough”, suggesting it could point toward a future where Alzheimer’s disease might eventually be eliminated.
Why Experts Urge Caution
Despite the promise, not everyone is convinced.
Dr. Doug Brown, Chief Policy and Research Officer at the Alzheimer’s Society (UK), warns that it’s far too early to recommend daily ibuprofen as a preventive measure.
“Population studies have shown a possible link between ibuprofen use and a lower risk of dementia,” Dr. Brown notes. “But clinical trials so far have been disappointing.”
He also highlights the potential dangers of long-term NSAID use — including stomach ulcers, intestinal bleeding, and interactions with other medications like warfarin.
Given these risks, Dr. Brown stresses that no one should start taking daily ibuprofen without medical advice.
“The idea of taking an anti-inflammatory drug as soon as a saliva test shows risk is premature,” he says. “We always recommend talking to your doctor before changing your medication.”
The Takeaway
While the idea of preventing Alzheimer’s with something as familiar as ibuprofen is fascinating, experts agree that more research is needed before such a strategy can be safely recommended.
For now, the best steps to reduce Alzheimer’s risk remain lifestyle-based:
Stay physically active
Eat a balanced diet
Get enough sleep
Keep your mind engaged
Manage blood pressure and cholesterol
Science is making exciting progress, but the road to an Alzheimer’s cure — or prevention — is still being paved.
References:
McGeer PL, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2025
Alzheimer’s Society UK
National Institute on Aging
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