Anti-inflammatory substances a new therapeutic option in Alzheimer's disease

Among several pathogenetic elements underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD), a brain-specific in flammatory response has recently attracted attention as a cause of neurodegeneration and progressive cognitive decline. Markers of i nflammation in AD are activated microglial cells, synthesis of cytokines, a cute-phase proteins and complement proteins in areas of brain destruction. Epidemiological studies point to a reduced risk of AD among users of anti-i nflammatory drugs. Influencing inflammatory parameters has become the focus of several new treatment strategies and a clinical trial with indomethacin shows promising results. The results from current clinical trials with ste roidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will be available in the n ear future.