Contrary to predictions, the anti-inflammatory drugs naproxen and celecoxib do not appear to improve cognitive function in older adults with a family history of Alzheimer's disease. Naproxen may have a slightly detrimental effect.

Inflammatory processes may play a role in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Some observational studies have shown an association between the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.

But when the ADAPT (Alzheimer's Disease Anti-Inflammatory Prevention Trial) Research Group conducted a randomized clinical trial involving more than 2,000 individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's disease, they found that NSAIDS did not show a protective effect on cognitive function. In fact, cognitive function scores were significantly lower over time for patients on naproxen than those on a placebo.