Recent findings show that two drugs, lecanemab, and donanemab, reduce levels of amyloid plaque in early symptomatic cases of Alzheimer's disease and produce significant clinical benefits. However, these drugs target a single pathway and carry the risk of severe side effects. There is also a wide consensus that multiple approaches are likely needed to maximize treatment outcomes.
Examining risk reduction linked to already prescribed medications can complement the traditional drug discovery approach. For example, some diabetes drugs, as well as benzodiazepines, have been found to reduce dementia risk. In the current study, researchers conducted a systematic review to investigate the link between a broad range of prescribed medications and dementia risk.
Altogether, they analyzed 14 studies, including data from 130 million individuals and a million cases of dementia. While some inconsistencies were observed in identifying specific drugs that modify Alzheimer's or dementia risk, they found that antimicrobials, vaccinations, and anti-inflammatories were linked to a reduced risk. The researchers wrote that their findings support the hypotheses that viral and bacterial infections may trigger dementia.
They further found that diabetes drugs, vitamins, and supplements, and antipsychotics were linked to increased dementia risk alongside conflicting evidence for antihypertensives and antidepressants.
In a press release, study author Dr. Ilianna Lourida from the National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula (PenARC), UK, noted that just because a particular drug is linked to an altered dementia risk, it doesn't necessarily mean that it causes or helps in the condition.
"Pooling these massive health data sets provides one source of evidence which we can use to help us focus on which drugs we should try first," said study author, Dr. Ben Underwood, from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge in a press release, "We're hopeful this will mean we can find some much-needed new treatments for dementia and speed up the process of getting them to patients."
Sources: Science Daily, Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions