The Association Between Herpes Zoster, Antiherpetic Therapies, and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

• DOI: 10.3390/ph18050722
• Publication Date: 2025-05-14T16:22:17Z
• Authors: Ali Alghamdi; Emma Koen; Manon Helmantel; Karim Rafie; Amalia M. Dolga; Barbara C. van Mu...; Eelko Hak

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) represents a significant public health challenge with rising global burden. Emerging evidence suggests potential link between herpes zoster (HZ) and an increased risk of AD. These findings indicate that HZ may contribute to neuroinflammation other pathophysiological processes associated AD, pointing out the role virus infection in initiation and/or progression AD pathology. Objective: This systematic review evaluates relationships highlighting neuroprotective vaccination antiherpetic drug (AHD) use. Methods: Adhering (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Meta-Analyses) PRISMA guidelines, comprehensive search databases (e.g., PubMed) until October 2024 was conducted. Observational studies reporting estimates were included. Extracted data synthesized analyzed narratively due study heterogeneity. Results: Eleven (out two hundred) met inclusion criteria, offering preliminary insights could form foundation further investigation. Reports on showed mixed outcomes, some suggesting while others no clear correlation. Interestingly, led preventive reducing ranging from 0.57 0.99. Additionally, use AHDs linked reduced 0.65 0.96. Conclusions: Published suggest AHD represent interventions reduce AD; however, research is necessary validate these better understand underlying protective mechanisms.