Harvard studies have concluded that simple ibuprofen, taken by millions on a regular basis, means that those throngs have close to a 40% lower risk of developing debilitating Parkinson’s Disease (PD). However don’t get mixed up, aspirin and acetaminophen did not prove to have the same results and ibuprofen is by no means a means of pure prevention experts say.

The study was published in the online edition of the journal Neurology on Wednesday and is scheduled to appear in the March 8, print edition.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAID. Taking ibuprofen two or more times a week was considered regular use. NSAIDs are usually indicated for the treatment of acute or chronic conditions where pain and inflammation are present. Research continues into their potential for prevention of colorectal cancer, and treatment of other conditions, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

After six years of observation, 291 participants were diagnosed with Parkinson’s and people who took ibuprofen regularly had a 38% lower risk of developing the disorder compared to those who didn’t use the drug.

In various neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s or Pick’s disease, Down’s syndrome, multiple sclerosis and the AIDS-dementia complex, the inflammatory pathomechanism is strongly supported by experimental and clinical studies. Such inflammatory mechanisms have also been postulated in Parkinson’s disease. Ibuprofen has long been known to reduce inflammation of all kinds in general.

It’s too early for doctors to prescribe ibuprofen to prevent Parkinson’s, but James Bower, an associate professor of neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota says:

“The study itself was scientifically very sound. But an association does not mean causation. That’s what I want to make sure we remember.”

Parkinson’s disease belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The four primary symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination.

As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. PD usually affects people over the age of 50. Early symptoms of PD are subtle and occur gradually. In some people the disease progresses more quickly than in others. As the disease progresses, the shaking, or tremor, which affects the majority of PD patients may begin to interfere with daily activities.

Other symptoms may include depression and other emotional changes; difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; and sleep disruptions. There are currently no blood or laboratory tests that have been proven to help in diagnosing sporadic PD. Therefore the diagnosis is based on medical history and a neurological examination. The disease is extremely difficult to diagnose accurately.

Source: American Academy of Neurology Journal

Written by Sy Kraft, B.A.