Inflammation plays into so many diseases. I've heard in medical lectures that inflammation around the heart, caused by a virus, can be one of the causative factors in heart attacks and explains why heart attacks can happen after someone has had pneumonia, for example.

Fish oil is something prescribed for patients to reduce triglycerides and help cholesterol levels. Some osteoarthritis patients take mega doses because it reduces inflammation and helps with pain. I'd be curious to know if fish oil might delay or prevent development of Alzheimers or even help some of the symptoms after it has started. If I remember correctly, fish oils and Evening Primrose Oil, among other oils, can cross the blood brain barrier but I'll have to check to confirm I'm remembering correctly.

From the Scientific American: "In fact, scores of studies have confirmed that the more infections people experience over a lifetime--most especially during childhood--the greater their propensity for chronic inflammation and the many diseases of aging -- arthritis, heart disease, senility, and many forms of cancer." Article Here.