Alzheimer's Study Reveals How Aspirin May Reduce Disease Progression

A new study hints at the potential positive effects of aspirin in preventing Alzheimer's disease. The research, which was recently published in the journal JNeurosci, shows a link between aspirin and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Though the exact cause of the disease isn't known, researchers explain how aspirin may be positively impacting the brain to reduce the disease's development.

Alzheimer's is a disease that degrades an individual's mental functions, progressively destroying their memory. The disease has been the subject of many studies, but researchers are yet to pin down an exact cause behind the condition. According to the new study, damage to the body's ability to clear toxic amyloid beta from the brain, and particularly from the hippocampus, is a "leading mechanism" in Alzheimer's disease.

To slow down the disease, scientists have looked into the process of improving the removal of waste from a patient's brain, the goal being elimination — or at least a slowing — of the illness. Previous studies have found a potential link between aspirin and a reduction in Alzheimer's risk, and the latest study shows why the positive effect may result.

Aspirin, according to research conducted by Kalipada Pahan and colleagues, was found to stimulate lysosomes, a cellular component that helps eliminate cellular waste. This resulted in a decrease in amyloid plaque, at least in the lab mice used during the study. Aspirin is available over the counter and already widely used for cardiovascular issues and pain relief. As always, it is important to talk to a doctor before taking aspirin for any reason.

SOURCE: EurekAlert