Repurposed Drugs Show Promise in Dementia Prevention

Repurposing existing medications, including antibiotics, antivirals, and vaccines, could offer a new approach to combating dementia, according to research led by the University of Cambridge and the University of Exeter, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

The study analyzed data from 14 large-scale investigations involving over 130 million people, including 1 million dementia cases. Researchers found promising links between certain drugs and reduced dementia risk, though the evidence varied.

Notably, antibiotics, antivirals, and vaccines were associated with lower dementia risk, supporting theories that infections may trigger some cases. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, also showed potential benefits, as inflammation is increasingly linked to various diseases.

Ben Underwood of the University of Cambridge highlighted the potential for faster treatment options, stating: “Repurposing licensed drugs could make them available to patients much sooner than developing new ones.”

Experts, however, caution that more clinical trials are needed. Julia Dudley of Alzheimer’s Research UK noted it’s too early to recommend these drugs for prevention, while Richard Oakley of the Alzheimer’s Society emphasized the potential to save time and resources in developing effective treatments.

The study, published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Translational Research and Clinical Interventions, lays the groundwork for exploring drug repurposing in dementia care.