In 1987, Drs. Patrick and Edith McGeer developed the groundbreaking concept that inflammation plays a role in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by deposits of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) in brain which become foci of inflammation. Neurons are destroyed by this inflammatory process, leading to the cognitive deficits which define AD clinical onset.  Epidemiological studies indicate that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can ameliorate this destructive process if they are started well before clinical signs develop.

Their findings led them to hypothesize that brain inflammation contributes to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Their work paved the way for further research into the inflammatory processes involved in Alzheimer’s disease and the potential therapeutic role of anti-inflammatory agents.