Alzheimer’s disease could be prevented by antiviral drug already on market

Alzheimer’s disease could be prevented by antiviral drug already on market

Researchers discover that HIV medication may prevent up to 60,000 US Alzheimer's cases yearly

An existing drug for HIV could double as a preventative therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers. (iStock)

"This level of protection could translate into 60,000 fewer cases of Alzheimer's disease every year in our country, and up to one million fewer cases every year around the world," the lead study author told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

Repurposing existing drugs can offer a "promising pathway," according to an expert from the Alzheimer's Association. (iStock)

Nearly seven million people in the U.S. are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and the number is expected to reach 13 million by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. (iStock)

The study author cautioned that people should not take NRTIs for Alzheimer’s prevention unless they are in the context of a clinical trial. (iStock)