New research from UVA Health suggests that a group of HIV medications, called nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), could lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The study found that people taking NRTIs had up to a 13% lower risk of Alzheimer’s each year.
This breakthrough study, published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, analyzed health data from two major U.S. health insurance databases.
It focused on patients over 50 years old who were treated for HIV or hepatitis B. The results were significant, showing a marked reduction in Alzheimer’s risk for those taking NRTIs.
Researchers believe that NRTIs help protect against Alzheimer’s by blocking inflammasomes, immune system components linked to the disease. The team previously discovered that these drugs could stop the activation of inflammasomes, a potential factor in Alzheimer’s development.
While the results are promising, the researchers are calling for clinical trials to test if NRTIs can truly prevent Alzheimer’s. With Alzheimer’s cases expected to rise dramatically, finding preventive treatments is crucial.
Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati, who led the study, noted that a 10% reduction in Alzheimer’s risk could have a huge global impact, both on patients and healthcare systems.
Although NRTIs can have side effects, the team has developed a modified version, K9, which may offer the same benefits without the risks and is already in clinical trials for eye diseases.
Experts, including Dr. James Giordano from Georgetown University, support the study, highlighting that inflammation in the body and brain is linked to Alzheimer’s. This research may open the door to new, effective treatments to fight the disease.
Related topics:
- Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
- Should You Get Tested For Alzheimer’s Even Without Symptoms?
- What Is the Difference Between Disease and Disorder?
