HQ Team
May12, 2025: A new study has uncovered a link between widely used antiviral medications and a dramatically reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the research suggests that nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), a class of drugs commonly prescribed for HIV and hepatitis B, may lower the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s by up to 13% for each year of treatment. The findings open exciting possibilities for repurposing existing medications to combat neurodegenerative diseases.
The study analyzed health data from over 271,000 individuals aged 50 and older, drawn from two major U.S. health insurance databases. Researchers found that patients with HIV or hepatitis B who had been treated with NRTIs showed a substantially lower incidence of Alzheimer’s compared to those on other therapies. In the Veterans Health Administration database, which primarily includes older males, each year of NRTI use correlated with a 6% reduction in Alzheimer’s risk. Meanwhile, in the more diverse MarketScan database, the protective effect was even stronger, with risk dropping by an impressive 13% annually.
Chronic neuroinflammation
The key to this unexpected benefit appears to lie in the drugs’ ability to suppress inflammasomes—complexes within cells that trigger harmful inflammation. Chronic neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in Alzheimer’s progression, contributing to the buildup of toxic amyloid-beta and tau proteins in the brain. By inhibiting these inflammatory pathways, NRTIs may help slow or even prevent the neurodegenerative processes underlying dementia.
While the results are compelling, researchers caution that the study’s observational nature means it cannot definitively prove causation. However, the consistency of the findings across two large, distinct patient populations strengthens the case for further investigation. Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati, an ophthalmologist at the University of Virginia and co-author of the study, emphasized the potential impact of these findings, estimating that widespread use of these drugs could prevent approximately one million new Alzheimer’s cases globally each year.
Looking ahead, scientists are already exploring ways to harness this discovery for more targeted dementia treatments. A next-generation inflammasome-blocking drug called K9, derived from NRTIs but designed to be safer and more effective, is currently in clinical trials for other conditions. If successful, it could soon be tested as an Alzheimer’s therapy. This approach—repurposing existing drugs—offers a significant advantage, as it could accelerate the development of new treatments by years compared to creating medications from scratch.
NRTI side effects
For now, experts stress that people should not take NRTIs solely for Alzheimer’s prevention, as these drugs can have serious side effects, including liver complications and neurological issues. However, the study marks an important step forward in understanding how modulating inflammation could protect against dementia. As research continues, these findings may pave the way for innovative strategies to combat Alzheimer’s, offering hope to millions at risk for this devastating disease.
The scientific community is eagerly awaiting clinical trials that will test whether NRTIs or related compounds like K9 can effectively prevent or delay Alzheimer’s in broader populations. With over 10 million new cases diagnosed worldwide each year, even a modest reduction in risk could have profound implications for public health. This study not only highlights the unexpected connections between viral infections and neurodegeneration but also underscores the potential of existing medications to unlock new approaches in the fight against dementia.
