Existing Drugs Show Promise Against Alzheimer's

Existing Drugs Show Promise Against Alzheimer's

Feb 18, 2026, 7:02 AM en 9 views

TL;DR

Research identifies three known drugs, including a shingles vaccine, that could be repurposed to combat Alzheimer's disease. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy.

A recent study led by the University of Exeter highlights three existing drugs—Zostavax, Viagra, and riluzole—as potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Supported by the Alzheimer's Society and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the study evaluated 80 drugs for their effectiveness against Alzheimer's. Researchers found that these three drugs interact with biological processes linked to Alzheimer's and show promising results in initial studies. Zostavax, the shingles vaccine, appears most promising, potentially reducing dementia risk. While the potential benefits are promising, additional clinical trials are necessary to confirm the benefits of these drugs in Alzheimer's prevention or treatment.

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