Valacyclovir Trial Reveals Cognitive Decline in Early Alzheimer's Patients

In a recent study titled Valacyclovir Treatment of Early Symptomatic Alzheimer Disease, also known as the VALAD randomized clinical trial, it was found that patients diagnosed with early Alzheimer's disease who were treated with the herpes medication valacyclovir experienced worse cognitive decline compared to those given a placebo.

The trial raises significant concerns about the efficacy of antiviral treatments in neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that valacyclovir may not be beneficial for early Alzheimer's patients. These findings provoke further inquiry into the role of viral infections in Alzheimer's disease and the potential need for alternative treatment strategies.