A method and apparatus for treating Alzheimer's disease is disclosed. The
method comprises delivering indomethacin or nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory agents having cyclooxygenase inhibitor action directly
to the hippocampus or the lateral ventricle through an implanted
catheter. The catheter has a flexible distal end that is implanted
directly in the hippocampus or lateral ventricle as the preferred
embodiment. The distal end has either a porous tip or a closed end. Where
the distal end is closed, or a plurality of elution holes are present
indomethacin is delivered to the hippocampus or lateral ventricle through
either the porous tip or the elution holes. The catheter is part of a
system for delivering indomethacin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
agents having cyclooxygenase inhibitor action to the hippocampus or
lateral ventricle that includes a pump coupled to the catheter for
delivering the indomethacin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents
having cyclooxygenase inhibitor action through the catheter to the
hippocampus or lateral ventricle.