Using drugs approved for other conditions could dramatically speed up hunt for cure, experts say

Summary

A study led by the University of Cambridge and Exeter suggests that repurposing antibiotics, antivirals, and vaccines could help prevent or treat dementia, potentially accelerating drug availability.

Researchers analyzed data from 14 studies involving over 130 million people, finding associations between these drugs and reduced dementia risk.

The findings support the hypothesis that some dementia cases may be linked to infections, with anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen also showing potential.

Experts caution further clinical trials are needed, but repurposing approved drugs could save time and resources in combating dementia.