Drugs That Reduce Dementia Risk — And Others That Increase It

Some medications might have a hidden superpower: reducing dementia risk.

A study conducted by researchers from the universities of Cambridge and Exeter suggests that certain drugs already on the market could potentially double as dementia treatments. The research reviewed data from 14 prior studies, encompassing more than 130 million patients and over one million dementia cases. The findings, published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, could be a game-changer for those on the frontlines of dementia research and care.

Dr. Ben Underwood, co-first author of the study, emphasized the urgency of this work. “We urgently need new treatments to slow the progress of dementia, if not to prevent it,” he said. The team’s approach involves repurposing existing drugs, which could fast-track their availability to patients compared to developing entirely new medications.

Among the promising candidates, antibiotics, antivirals, anticoagulants (blood thinners), and anticonvulsants (used to treat seizures) were found to reduce dementia risk. Vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid, and diphtheria also showed protective effects, supporting the theory that viral or bacterial infections may play a role in triggering dementia. Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen were also highlighted for their potential benefits, given the growing evidence linking inflammation to dementia.

But not all medications are heroes in this story. Certain antipsychotic drugs were associated with an increased dementia risk, while the effects of medications for blood pressure, depression, and diabetes remain inconclusive due to conflicting evidence.

For now, only two drugs — lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla) — are approved for Alzheimer’s treatment in the U.S., both of which target early-stage Alzheimer’s by reducing amyloid plaques in the brain. However, these treatments come with serious potential side effects, underscoring the need for safer, more accessible options.

Dr. Chris Vercammen, a California-based physician specializing in geriatrics, commented on the study’s findings, calling them “plausible” while acknowledging the limitations of systematic reviews like this one. Differences in how individual studies were conducted mean there’s still a lot of nuance to untangle. “Comprehensive medication reviews are essential for older adults at risk of dementia,” Vercammen stressed, adding that personalized care remains critical in managing the disease.

For those considering changes to their medication, experts like Dr. Vercammen and study co-author Vasiliki Lourida urge caution. “You should never change your medicine without first discussing it with your doctor,” Lourida advised. Until there’s a cure, the focus remains on offering compassionate, individualized care for dementia patients and their caregivers — often referred to as the “second patients” for their vital role in providing daily support.

While this study brings a glimmer of hope, it also serves as a reminder that the road to effective dementia treatments is still paved with challenges. Let’s just say, if these medications can pull off a second act as dementia fighters, they deserve a standing ovation.