Recent research has suggested that daily doses of Ibuprofen can reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and even prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other kinds of dementia. This is believed to be true because the inflammation that occurs with the characteristic build up of amyloid plaques on the brains of Alzheimer’s patients causes a swelling that leads to the destruction of brain cells. Those with AD are often given Motrin or Advil, both brand names for Ibuprofen, as a way to improve their symptoms.

There is evidence that reducing inflammation does reduce symptoms and can even prevent the damage to brain cells. However, there are more natural ways of doing this, Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) being one such way. EPO contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is an essential fatty acid. Normally, we think of fish oils for providing fatty acids, but EPO is a good source of an omega-6 fatty acid, as opposed to the omega-3 in fish oil, and offers anti-inflammatory properties as effective as Ibuprofen, but without the negative side effects of stomach upset, ulcers, and the like.

The GLA found in EPO is highly concentrated. Although not the highest of all supplements, it is the most effective. Researchers are not sure why EPO is more effective even at lower concentrations, but have the evidence that it reduces inflammation better. The concentration of GLA in EPO is between 7% and 10%, where some other supplements such as borage oil have as much as 20% GLA.

GLA produces prostaglandins which are considered to be anti-inflammatory in nature. Most people associate EPO with helping with female problems such as PMS, edometriosis, and fibrocystic breasts. This is also due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

In the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, EPO works by improving nerve impulse transmissions and reducing inflammation. In a therapeutic dose, 1,300 mg of EPO should be taken twice a day. This can be in oil, capsule or soft gel form. Substitutes that may be a little less expensive but still provide enough GLA concentration can be found in borage oil or black currant oil. To equal the amount of GLA from EPO, you would need to take 1000 mg of borage oil or 1,500 mg of black currant oil daily. All should be taken with food to help with absorption.

The only really known side effect of EPO is related to those who take phenothiazine epileptogenic drugs for schizophrenia. Other than that, EPO is not believed to have any negative side effects and is valuable in reducing inflammation and preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

The Evening Primrose oil that you obtain from a health food store is made from the seeds of a wild flower known as the Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis). It is grown in North America and Europe primarily and the root was once used extensively by Native Americans for numerous conditions. Modern research has led to the discovery of the power of GLA and omega-6 fatty acid as a way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Not all EPO is manufactured the same way. Some contain additives of safflower or soy oils that do nothing to help with inflammation, but are being passed off as pure EPO. Be sure you are shopping at a reputable supplement supplier, and know the manufacturer’s reputation.

* Important notes: It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using Evening Primrose Oil or any alternative therapies. Any recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.