A new study carried out by Canadian researchers suggests that a daily dose of ibuprofen can prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Led by neuroscientist and Aurin Biotech president and CEO Dr Patrick McGeer, the team concluded that if started early enough, the non-prescription drug can ‘ward off’ the neurodegenerative disease.

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The findings are based on a saliva test developed by McGeer and his team in 2016 to measure the peptide amyloid-beta protein 42 (Abeta 42) levels to diagnose and predict Alzheimer’s.

People who are at risk of developing the disease have higher rates of Abeta 42 production, as the protein is relatively insoluble and gets accumulated in brain. These deposits lead to neuroinflammation and neuron destruction in Alzheimer’s patients.

“Knowing that the prevalence of clinical Alzheimer’s Disease commences at age 65, we recommend that people get tested ten years before, at age 55, when the onset of Alzheimer’s would typically begin.”

This gives patients an opportunity to begin taking early preventive measures such as consuming non-prescription non-steroidal drugs including ibuprofen.

McGeer said: “Knowing that the prevalence of clinical Alzheimer’s Disease commences at age 65, we recommend that people get tested ten years before, at age 55, when the onset of Alzheimer’s would typically begin.

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“If they exhibit elevated Abeta 42 levels then, that is the time to begin taking daily ibuprofen to ward off the disease.”

Statistics show that 47 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s, with more than $818bn in healthcare costs incurred each year.

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