Researchers have identified three approved medications that show significant promise for treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease. Instead of developing new drugs, scientists are exploring existing medications for Alzheimer's applications.
A shingles vaccine (Zostavax), Viagra (sildenafil), and riluzole, a medication for motor neurone disease, emerged as the most promising candidates from a review of 80 existing drugs by 21 dementia specialists.
Drug repurposing offers a faster, safer, and more affordable route to new treatments, as creating novel drugs can take over a decade and cost billions.
The shingles vaccine is of particular interest due to its potential to counter immune system changes linked to Alzheimer's and previous research suggesting a reduced dementia risk in vaccinated individuals. Sildenafil (Viagra) may protect nerve cells and improve cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain, while riluzole has shown cognitive benefits in animal studies.
Experts emphasize that while these drugs show strong potential, further clinical trials are crucial to confirm their efficacy in treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease.