Recent studies indicate that people who take anti-inflammatory medications to treat arthritis may have less chance of developing AD compared to people who do not take these medications. Since these medications can have serious side effects, and since it is not yet known whether they work for Alzheimer's disease or not, no one should take them for this purpose outside of the clinical trial. AD strikes 6 percent of people over age 65 and at least 30 percent of those over age 85, including President Ronald Reagan. Pierce's father disappeared after leaving to buy flowers for a family grave one day 16 years ago, when he was 70. Because he was unable to remember his name or phone number, the Montpelier Police thought he was intoxicated.
Pierce points out that there is much more public awareness of AD today, but there still is no cure.
Green said that people over 70 who have a close relative with AD are at increased risk of developing the disease. Still, if the onset of AD can be delayed by 5 or 10 years, the incidence would be reduced. Participants themselves cannot have been diagnosed with dementia, senility, or Alzheimer's disease. Over the next 18 months, the study seeks to enroll a total of 2,600 volunteers, who will be paid a small stipend. They will be asked to take a prescribed dose of naproxen, celecoxib, or a placebo twice a day for five to seven years.