In the quest to understand Alzheimer’s and other degenerative neurological disorders, researchers have been studying the impact inflammation has on brain function. Early results have suggested that chronic inflammation may be a factor in developing neurological problems, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other similar illnesses.
Impact of Early Illness
Researchers at the University of Zurich, in collaboration with their colleagues at the University of Bern studied the impact of infection on mice and neurological development. They discovered that pre-birth infections can significantly impact the potential of neurological problems later in life. If an infection is experienced before being born and a similar infection occurs during adulthood, it sets up the strong potential for memory and other neurological problems as a person ages. Infections frequently result in symptoms of inflammation as the immune system responds to the infection. For individuals with frequent infections, inflammation events increase.
Also, people with immune system disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes often have long bouts of inflammation as part of the immune system response to their illness. Early life infections can potentially increase chances of developing Alzheimer’s and other devastating degenerative neurological disorders.
In another study on brain inflammation, researchers discovered that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen and Tylenol, helps reduce overall chronic and episodic inflammation, including neurological inflammation. Although the research only studied the immediate effects of taking these medications, it did not shed more light on the long-term effects of NSAID usage which has been linked to gastrointestinal issues such as bleeding.
– The Alternative Daily