Overview
- The University of Exeter–led study, published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, named Zostavax, sildenafil and riluzole as the three priority candidates for testing against Alzheimer’s.
- Zostavax was judged most promising, with previous population studies suggesting recipients were 16% less likely to develop dementia, though causation remains unproven.
- Sildenafil and riluzole showed neuroprotective effects in preclinical work, including reductions in tau and improved cognition in animal models, with sildenafil likely boosting cerebral blood flow.
- Lead researchers plan a large UK clinical trial of the shingles vaccine, using the PROTECT online registry to recruit and monitor participants.
- A 21-member panel of clinicians, scientists and people affected by dementia used a Delphi consensus after screening 80 drugs; the project was backed by Alzheimer’s Society and NIHR funders.