Ibuprofen May Help Boost Immune Systems Of The Elderly

A study in mice finds that ibuprofen may provide the key to keeping the immune systems of older adults functioning with youthful efficiency. In the lungs of older mice, U.S. researchers found that white blood cells known as macrophages – the “first responders” of the immune system – didn’t respond as efficiently to a tuberculosis infection as the macrophages in younger mice. But ibuprofen reversed the situation, in effect strengthening the immune response. The researchers said it might be possible to reduce or prevent some diseases in the elderly by decreasing inflammation with diet, exercise and ibuprofen.