New research suggests that Ibuprofen ( Brufen ) may offer protection against developing Parkinson's disease. The study is published in the Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes tremors and difficulty with movement and walking. It affects about one million people in the United States.

For the study, researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, analyzed data taken from 98,892 female nurses and 37,305 male health professionals. Participants reported their use of ibuprofen and other NSAIDS. Taking Ibuprofen two or more times per week was considered regular use. After six years, 291 were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Researchers found that people who took Ibuprofen regularly had a 38% lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to those who did not take Ibuprofen.
After a larger analysis that combined several other studies on Ibuprofen and other NSAID use, the researchers found that Ibuprofen users had a 27% lower risk of developing the disease compared to non-users.

One possibility as to why Ibuprofen may have this effect against Parkinson's disease is that it may target a certain receptor in the brain called the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ( PPAR-gamma ). Studies in animals have also suggested this effect.

According to James H. Bower at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, the study does not mean people should begin taking Ibuprofen regularly to avoid developing Parkinson's disease. Long-term Ibuprofen use has a lengthy list of risks; however, the idea that Ibuprofen may have these neuroprotective effects unique from other NSAIDS is cause for more research. Additionally, the use of Ibuprofen may not be directly reducing the risk of Parkinson's. It may be related to some other unrecognized factor that is actually reducing the risk.

Source: American Academy of Neurology, 2011

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