Could a common cold sore drug slow Alzheimer's? new study explores the link.

NCT ID NCT03282916

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Columbia University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether the antiviral drug valacyclovir (Valtrex) can slow memory loss in people with mild Alzheimer's disease who also carry the herpes simplex virus. About 120 participants received either the drug or a placebo for 18 months. The goal was to see if treating the virus could help preserve thinking and daily living skills.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease herpes simplex type 1 infectious disease herpes simplex type 2 infectious disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALZHEIMER DISEASE HERPES SIMPLEX 1 HERPES SIMPLEX 2

Contacts and locations

Locations

Banner Alzheimer's Institute (BAI)

Phoenix, Arizona, 85006, United States
New York State Psychiatric Institute

New York, New York, 10032, United States
New York University School of Medicine

New York, New York, 10016, United States

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