Charlottesville, Virginia — New findings from researchers at the University of Virginia suggest that certain HIV medications, known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), may significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study, which utilized data from two extensive health databases, revealed that patients on NRTIs experienced an annual reduction in Alzheimer’s risk ranging from 6% to 13%.
The research team, led by Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati, previously identified a mechanism through which NRTIs might help prevent Alzheimer’s. Unlike other HIV therapies, NRTIs inhibit inflammasomes—components of the immune system that have been linked to the progression of Alzheimer’s. This unique property sets NRTIs apart from other treatments and raises questions about their potential role in preventing this devastating disease.
To investigate this phenomenon, Ambati and his team analyzed nearly 24 years of data from the U.S. Veterans Health Administration and 14 years from the MarketScan database, which includes a diverse population. The researchers focused on patients aged 50 and older who were taking medications for HIV or hepatitis B, while excluding individuals already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Their analysis involved over 270,000 patients, providing a robust framework for understanding the impact of these drugs.
The findings were compelling. Even after adjusting for variables such as pre-existing health conditions, the study consistently showed a significant and substantial reduction in Alzheimer’s risk among those using NRTIs. This discovery holds potential implications for the millions impacted by Alzheimer’s worldwide, with estimates suggesting that over 10 million new cases arise annually. According to Ambati, utilizing NRTIs could prevent about one million new instances of the disease each year.
While NRTIs offer encouraging results, researchers were careful to note that other types of HIV medications did not exhibit the same protective effect. This distinction emphasizes the need for further clinical trials to explore the efficacy of NRTIs in Alzheimer’s prevention. As the crisis of Alzheimer’s disease escalates—with nearly 7 million Americans currently affected, a number projected to reach 13 million by 2050—the demand for innovative therapeutic solutions is more urgent than ever.
Adding to this narrative, the researchers are also focusing on a new drug, K9, which aims to block inflammasomes more safely and effectively than NRTIs. Already undergoing clinical trials for other conditions, K9’s potential in Alzheimer’s research could further enhance treatment options.
The discoveries have been detailed in a paper published in “Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.” A diverse group of researchers contributed to the study, which received support from various grants, including those from the National Institutes of Health.
As the quest to understand and combat Alzheimer’s disease continues, these findings position NRTIs and K9 as promising candidates in the fight against one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. The scientific community is now called to embark on clinical trials that could open new frontiers in Alzheimer’s prevention, possibly changing lives for millions.