Painkillers 'do not protect against Alzheimer's'

Painkillers such as aspirin and other non steroidal anti inflammatories do not protect against Alzheimer's disease, according to new research.

Two new studies from the US show that despite previous research suggesting they do, such drugs cannot prevent memory loss and dementia and have no effect on the rate of cognitive decline.

Volunteers taking painkillers were compared to those taking a dummy pill in various assessments to test general cognition, verbal memory and category fluency.

After several years of treatment those in the aspirin group were found to be no better protected from the onset of Alzheimer's than those taking the placebo.

Dr Susanne Sorenesen, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, said that following these findings the best way for people to reduce their risk of developing dementia is to take regular exercise and eat a balanced diet.

Experts say that research makes it all the more important to invest in additional research to find other treatments for the degenerative brain disease.

According to the Alzheimer's Society there are currently over 700,000 people in the UK suffering from dementia.

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