The National Institute on Aging is sponsoring a new clinical trial to test the use of anti-inflammatory medications for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Epidemiologic studies have suggested an association between the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and decreased risk of AD, but clinical trials are essential to determining whether such drugs can in fact prevent AD.

The Alzheimer's Disease Anti-Inflammatory Prevention Trial (ADAPT), launched January 30, 2001, is designed to test naproxen and celecoxib for their ability to prevent AD. These medications are known to reduce inflammation in joints and other parts of the body. The new study is being launched to help determine whether these drugs might also reduce inflammatory processes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease.

In order to increase participation and improve access, the ADAPT study is being conducted at four locations:

• Boston, Massachusetts
• Sun City, Arizona
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Rochester, New York

Study participants must be 70 or older by the close of the study's enrollment period, and have a mother, father, sister, or brother who has (or had) serious age-related memory loss, dementia, senility or AD. Participants cannot themselves have been diagnosed with dementia, senility or AD. Participants will be asked to take a prescribed dose of naproxen, celecoxib, or a placebo (sugar pill) twice a day for five to seven years. Study medication and all medical evaluations related to the study will be provided free of charge.

People interested in learning more about the trial should call toll free (866) 2stopAD (278-6723). The study is described at http://www.2stopad.org/.