Three Everyday Drugs Could Be Repurposed to Prevent Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most devastating conditions affecting older adults, with no current cure. However, new research is highlighting an exciting avenue: repurposing existing medicines to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s.

A recent study led by the University of Exeter and funded by Alzheimer’s Society has identified three existing drugs as top candidates for repurposing against Alzheimer’s disease: the shingles vaccine (Zostavax), sildenafil (Viagra), and riluzole, a drug currently used for motor neuron disease.

Why Repurposing Drugs Matters

Developing brand-new drugs is a slow and expensive process, often taking 10–15 years and billions of pounds, with no guarantee of success. Repurposing medications already approved for other conditions offers a faster, safer, and more cost-effective alternative. These drugs have established safety profiles, particularly important when working with older adults who are most at risk for Alzheimer’s.

The study brought together an international panel of 21 dementia experts from academia, hospitals, industry, and patient advocacy groups. They systematically reviewed 80 existing drugs to determine which ones showed the strongest potential for Alzheimer’s treatment or prevention, targeting biological mechanisms linked to the disease.

The Three Priority Candidates

1. Shingles Vaccine (Zostavax)
   Research suggests a connection between shingles infection and dementia. The vaccine may help reduce harmful immune system changes associated with Alzheimer’s. Importantly, it is a two-dose vaccine with a strong safety record. Studies indicate that people who receive it could be 16% less likely to develop dementia.
2. Sildenafil (Viagra)
   Beyond its well-known use for erectile dysfunction, sildenafil may help protect nerve cells and reduce tau protein buildup in the brain. Mouse studies show it may improve cognition by increasing blood flow to the brain.
3. Riluzole
   Currently used to treat motor neuron disease, riluzole has shown promise in animal studies for improving cognition and reducing tau protein levels, suggesting potential relevance for Alzheimer’s prevention.

Next Steps

The research team recommends that these drugs be tested in robust clinical trials to confirm their efficacy in people at risk of or living with Alzheimer’s disease. The PROTECT online registry in the UK will be used to monitor trial participants, gathering annual data on lifestyle, health, and cognitive function.

Other drugs, such as fingolimod, vortioxetine, microlithium, dasatinib, and cytisine, were considered but did not meet the criteria for priority repurposing.

Expert Insights

Dr. Anne Corbett, Professor of Dementia Research at the University of Exeter, stated:

“Beating dementia will take every avenue of research – from using what we already know, to discovering new drugs to treat and prevent the condition. Drug repurposing is a vital part of that mix.”

Prof. Fiona Carragher of Alzheimer’s Society added:

“Just as aspirin was repurposed to reduce heart attack and stroke risk, we hope drug repurposing will become a major breakthrough in dementia research.” At Centrum Pharmacy, we remain committed to keeping you informed about breakthroughs that may impact brain health. While these treatments are still under investigation, staying aware of research developments helps you have informed discussions with your healthcare providers.

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