Ibuprofen slashes risk of Parkinson's disease--study

Researchers found that men and women who took ibuprofen two or more times a week were 38 percent less likely to develop Parkinson's than those who regularly used aspirin, acetaminophen or other pain relievers.

Senior author of the study, Professor Alberto Ascherio of Harvard Medical School in Boston stated: “There is no cure for Parkinson’s, so a possibility that ibuprofen, could help protect against the disease is captivating.”

After factoring age, smoking, diet and caffeine consumption, the researchers found ibuprofen users had a 27 percent lower risk of developing the disease.

Study details
In a bid to examine the link between ibuprofen and the neurological disease, the researchers analysed data from 98,892 female nurses and 37,305 male health professionals.

The study subjects were asked to report their ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory (NSAID) use through biannual questionnaires.

As a part of the study, the investigators compared subjects’ use of ibuprofen, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory pain relievers and acetaminophen.

Taking ibuprofen two or more times per week was considered as regular use.

Revelations of the study
After a period of six years, 291 participants were diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

The study found that people who took ibuprofen regularly had a 38 percent lower risk of developing the degenerative disorder compared to those who did not.

After factoring age, smoking, diet and caffeine consumption the researchers found ibuprofen users had a 27 percent lower risk of developing the disease.

Additionally, there was evidence that the danger of developing Parkinson’s dipped as ibuprofen intake went up.

People who reportedly took six or more tablets per week had the lowest risk of the brain disease as opposed to non-users.

Co-author of the study, Dr. Xiang Gao stated: “Our results show that ibuprofen may protect the brain in ways that other nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and analgesics, such as aspirin or acetaminophen, cannot.

“Our findings suggest that ibuprofen could be a potential neuroprotective agent against Parkinson’s Disease, however, the exact mechanism is unknown.”

Need for further research
Though, the reason for the lower risk of Parkinson’s associated with ibuprofen use is ambiguous, experts theorize that the drug helps reduce inflammation in the brain which in turn slows the progression of the disease.

However, given the painkillers' links with stomach bleeds, strokes and heart attacks, researchers feel there is need for further studies to better understand why there may be a protective effect.

Dr Kieran Breen, director of research and development at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We would not recommend people rush to take it, as ibuprofen has many other effects that may be harmful if taken over a long period of time."

The findings of the study appear in the journal, Neurology.

Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative movement disorder of the central nervous system caused by the death of cells in the brain that secrete the neurotransmitter dopamine.

It is characterized by tremors, rigidity, slow movement, poor balance, and difficulty in walking. Signs of the disease first tend to appear in patients over 50.

The disease is chronic and progressive with symptoms growing steadily worse over time.

In the later stages the condition can include cognitive and behavioral disturbances, sleep disorders, lack of appetite, difficulty eating, periods of remaining motionless (known as “freezing”).

According to the National Parkinson Foundation, the disorder affects nearly 60,000 Americans each year.