Herpes drugs don't help Alzheimer's, new study finds
A new Columbia University trial tested whether herpes medications could slow down Alzheimer's, but the results weren't what researchers hoped for.
Over 18 months, 120 people with early Alzheimer's or mild cognitive issues (and signs of herpes infection) took either valacyclovir or a placebo.
Surprisingly, those on the drug actually declined faster in memory and thinking tests than those on placebo.
What this means for future research
This challenges the idea that viruses like herpes might drive Alzheimer's progression—a theory that led to this study in the first place.
Even though past research hinted at a connection between certain viruses and brain changes, treating with antivirals didn't help here.
Researchers aren't giving up though; they're now looking into whether vaccines against viruses like shingles could lower dementia risk instead.