• Viagra and shingles vaccine show surprising promise against Alzheimerâ s Researchers have pinpointed three already approved medications that may be repurposed to treat or prevent Alzheimer’s disease. • Instead of starting from scratch, scientists examined medicines that are currently used for other conditions to see whether any could help protect the brain. • The study, funded by Alzheimer’s Society and led by the University of Exeter, was published in Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy. • Among the drugs reviewed, a shingles vaccine (Zostavax) emerged as the most promising candidate. • Viagra (sildenafil) and a medication used to treat motor neurone disease (riluzole) also showed strong potential. • Why Drug Repurposing Matters Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK, affecting around one million people.
Article Summaries:
- A University of Exeter study reviewed 80 approved drugs for potential use in Alzheimer’s disease and identified three “priority candidates” for further research. The panel, funded by the Alzheimer’s Society and supported by NIHR, highlighted the shingles vaccine Zostavax, sildenafil (Viagra), and riluzole. Zostavax emerged as the strongest signal, with evidence suggesting it may modulate immune pathways linked to dementia. Sildenafil showed neuroprotective effects in animal models, reducing tau buildup and improving cognition, while riluzole lowered tau levels and improved cognitive performance in pre‑clinical studies. The researchers call for clinical trials to confirm efficacy in humans.
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