US EditionHerpes Virus Infection Linked to Higher Alzheimer’s Risk, Study Shows Antiherpetic Drugs May Help
- Researchers published a study on May 21, 2025, in BMJ Open linking HSV-1 infection to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in the United States.
- The study examined insurance claims data from 344,628 individuals over the age of 50 who were identified with Alzheimer's disease between 2006 and 2021, using a matched case-control methodology.
- The data indicated that 0.44% of individuals with Alzheimer's had previously been identified with HSV-1 infection, whereas this was true for 0.24% of the control group, reflecting an 80% increase in the odds of developing Alzheimer's among those with a history of HSV-1 after controlling for other factors.
- Among 2,330 HSV-1 cases, those treated with antiherpetic medications had a 17% lower risk of Alzheimer's, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.83 and 95% confidence interval of 0.74 to 0.92.
- The findings establish association but not causation, highlight the need for further research, and suggest antiviral treatments might reduce Alzheimer's risk linked to HSV-1.
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Herpes virus infection linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk, study shows antiherpetic drugs may help
A large US case-control study found that people diagnosed with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Use of antiherpetic medications was associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s in those with HSV-1.
·United States
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MedPage TodayReposted by 
Anti-Aging, Acupuncture and Health News
Anti-Aging, Acupuncture and Health NewsLink Between Viral Infection and Alzheimer's Emerges in New Data
(MedPage Today) -- People diagnosed with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the virus responsible for cold sores, were more likely to have a subsequent Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, an analysis of U.S. commercial insurance claims suggested...
·New York, United States
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Scientists ‘slash risk of Alzheimer’s’ with medicine used to treat cold sores
Researchers made a surprising connection between certain viral diseases and Alzheimer’s
·London, United Kingdom
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