Shiv Telegram Media – New Research: HIV Drugs Could Lower Alzheimers Risk

A recent study has found a potential link between HIV treatment and a lower rate of Alzheimer’s disease. The study, which analyzed prescription data from over 225,000 individuals, revealed that HIV-positive patients taking reverse transcriptase inhibitors have a significantly reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to the general population.

The findings suggest that the enzymes targeted by HIV treatments could also impact genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, potentially providing a mechanism for the observed effect. Lead researcher Jerold Chun, M.D., Ph.D., of Sanford Burnham Prebys, noted that recombination of Alzheimer’s-linked genes in neurons could result in new gene variants within the brain.

Alzheimer’s disease currently affects nearly seven million people in the U.S., with projections estimating a startling 13 million cases by 2050. The promising results of this study could lead to new therapeutic strategies using existing drugs to combat the rising prevalence of the neurodegenerative disease.

The research, funded by the National Institute on Aging – NIH, the Shaffer Family Foundation, and the Bruce Ford & Anne Smith Bundy Foundation, highlights the potential of reverse transcriptase inhibitors in impacting Alzheimer’s disease. Further investigation into specific versions of these inhibitors and more targeted treatments is needed to fully understand and harness their potential benefits.

Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between HIV treatment and Alzheimer’s disease, opening up new avenues for research and treatment options in the fight against this devastating illness.