Could a common cold sore drug slow Alzheimer's?
NCT ID NCT04710030
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether the antiviral drug valacyclovir (Valtrex) could slow brain changes linked to Alzheimer's in 50 people with mild cognitive impairment who also had herpes simplex virus antibodies. Participants took either valacyclovir or a placebo for 52 weeks. The goal was to see if the drug reduced amyloid buildup in the brain and helped preserve memory and thinking skills.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- valacyclovir (Valtrex)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new way to slow memory decline in people with early Alzheimer's risk.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 50 participants. The drug may not affect Alzheimer's-related brain changes, and side effects from high-dose valacyclovir are possible.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
New York State Psychiatric Institute
New York, New York, 10032, United States
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