Flu drugs slow cognitive decline in people with HIV
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Researchers at Northwestern University have found that anti-influenza drugs may slow cognitive decline and premature aging in people with chronic viral infections, including HIV, by protecting protective sugars in the body.
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Scientists from Northwestern University have found that flu medications may slow cognitive decline and premature aging in people with chronic viral infections, including HIV. The results of their work were published in Med.
The team analyzed the blood of more than 100 HIV patients and found that the breakdown of the body's protective sugars—glycans—is linked to inflammation and memory loss. These molecules typically help curb chronic inflammation, which accelerates biological aging.
In experiments on cells and mice, scientists have shown that anti-flu drugs (including Tamiflu) preserve these sugars, reduce inflammation and protect cognitive function. The medications work differently than for regular flu: they block enzymes that break down glycans, rather than the viral protein. The effect was especially noticeable in women, in whom glycan breakdown accelerates near menopause.
The researchers' next step is to optimize the dosage and test whether these drugs can be used to prevent cognitive decline in people with HIV as well as age-related brain diseases.
