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Inflammatory mediators are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD). Because nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with reduced risks for AD in observational studies, researchers have speculated that NSAIDs might slow the progression of established AD. However, in a recent U.S. trial, neither rofecoxib nor naproxen affected cognitive decline in patients with mild-to-moderate AD (Journal Watch Jun 27 2003). Now, another multicenter, double-blind, randomized U.S. study addresses the same issue. The study was supported by the manufacturer of rofecoxib.
Researchers assigned 692 patients (age, 50 or older) with early AD to receive rofecoxib (25 mg daily) or placebo; 521 (75%) completed the …