Researchers of the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom suggested that mefenamic acid, a painkiller commonly used to treat menstrual cramps is effective for the treatment for Alzheimer's disease as it can reverse the memory loss by reducing brain inflammation. This research was published in the journal Nature Communications.

Mefenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which can ease the pain by reducing the swelling and inflammation in the body.

Brough D, et al.  studied 20 genetically altered mice to exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Ten of these were treated with mefenamic acid by using a mini-pump under their skin for one month, while the other ten mice were treated in the same way with a placebo. It was found that the mice treated with mefenamic acid had a complete reversal of memory loss, while the placebo group’s condition remained unchanged.

According to the author, there is experimental evidence to strongly suggest that inflammation in the brain makes Alzheimer’s disease worse. The research showed for the first time that mefenamic acid can target an important inflammatory pathway called the NLRP3 inflammasome, which damages brain cells.

Clinical trials in humans are needed before the drug can be considered as an Alzheimer’s remedy. Because this drug is already available and the toxicity and pharmacokinetics of the drug is known, the time for it to reach patients should, in theory, be shorter.

The lab results identified a class of existing drugs that are likely to treat Alzheimer’s by blocking a particular part of the immune response. However, these drugs are not without side effects and should not be taken for Alzheimer’s disease at this stage as studies in people are needed first.