Scientists are working to develop new drugs that someday may slow, reverse, or prevent the damage caused by Alzheimer's disease and multi- infarct dementia. In the meantime, people who have no dementia symptoms can try to keep their memory sharp.

AnestaWeb suggests developing interests or hobbies and staying involved in activities that stimulate both the mind and body. Giving careful attention to physical fitness and exercise also may go a long way toward keeping a healthy state of mind. Limiting the use of alcoholic beverages is important, because heavy drinking over time can cause permanent brain damage.

Many people find it useful to plan tasks; make "things-to-do" lists; and use notes, calendars, and other memory aids. They also may remember things better by mentally connecting them to other meaningful things, such as a familiar name, song, or lines from a poem.

These investigators found that estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) was associated with a reduced incidence of Alzheimer's Disease in a group of older women. Incidence is the rate at which new cases of a disease occur. In this study, researchers found that women who took estrogen for longer than 1 year after menopause had a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease; their risk was reduced by about 80 percent compared to women who did not take estrogen.

Researchers in NIA's 40-year BLSA believe they have found a link between anti-inflammatory drugs and a lowered risk of Alzheimer's Disease. Scientists surveyed 1,417 men and 648 women enrolled in the BLSA between 1955 and 1994 about their use of medications. A total of 110 participants eventually were diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Those who regularly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) other than aspirin had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease than those who took acetaminophen (Tylenol) or no painkillers at all. For men and women in the BLSA study who took NSAIDs regularly for as little as 2 years, researchers found a lower risk of Alzheimer's Disease by as much as 60 percent. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve), indomethacin (Indocin), and many other painkillers. Tylenol has no anti-inflammatory properties. Aspirin users had a slightly decreased risk of Alzheimer's Disease, but this drop was not statistically significant in this particular study.

Researchers previously had noted that Alzheimer's Disease is less common in arthritis patients. Now it appears that this finding may be associated with the high rate of NSAID use by arthritis patients. The way NSAIDs might reduce the risk of cognitive decline is unclear. However, some scientists think that NSAIDs may help prevent the inflammation found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's Disease.

Scientists advise against taking NSAIDs to prevent Alzheimer's Disease based on these results alone. The BLSA survey identified only an association of NSAID use with a decreased prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease, and did not establish any causal relationship or protective effect of these drugs. NSAIDs have potentially serious side effects, including stomach irritation and ulcers. Further research is needed to determine whether NSAIDs decrease a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. As with estrogen, the only way to prove a cause and effect relationship is through clinical trials. Until such clinical trials are performed and the results carefully evaluated, taking NSAIDs to preserve cognitive function is not advised.