VALZ-Pilot : High-dose valacyclovir treatment in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease

• Introduction: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) may be involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. The antiviral valacyclovir inhibits HSV replication.Methods: This phase-II pilot trial involved valacyclovir administration (thrice daily, 500 mg week 1, 1000 mg weeks 2–4) to persons aged ≥ 65 years with early-stage AD, anti-HSV immunoglobulin G, and apolipoprotein E ε4. Intervention safety, tolerability, feasibility, and effects on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers were evaluated.Results: Thirty-two of 33 subjects completed the trial on full dosage. Eighteen percent experienced likely intervention-related mild, temporary adverse events. CSF acyclovir concentrations were mean 5.29 ± 2.31 μmol/L. CSF total tau and neurofilament light concentrations were unchanged; MMSE score and CSF soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 concentrations increased (P = .02 and .03).Discussion: Four weeks of high-dose valacyclovir treatment was safe, tolerable, and feasible in early-stage AD. Our findings may guide future trial design.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Neurologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Neurology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Neurovetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Neurosciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Alzheimer's disease

apolipoprotein E ε4

feasibility study

herpes simplex

pilot project

valacyclovir

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)