A jaw-dropping study from the University of Pittsburgh has spotlighted a possible connection between Alzheimer’s disease and the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). This research, published in Cell ...

A recent study highlights the growing evidence linking the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) with Alzheimer’s disease, showing that antiviral medications reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by 17%.

Could common viruses silently influence your brain health? Discover what new research reveals about herpes and dementia.

Herpes simplex virus 1 DNA has been detected in Alzheimer’s disease brain plaques, and individuals carrying the ApoE ε4 gene variant — the most common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s ...

Herpes Virus Linked to Alzheimer’s Development in Old Age. Experts explain the connection—and if it’s something you should worry about. By Kayla Blanton Published: Jun 09, 2025 8:30 AM EDT.

A large US case-control study found that people diagnosed with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Use of antiherpetic medications was ...

Herpes infections are incredibly common. Between 50% and 80% of American adults carry HSV-1 (oral herpes), while HSV-2 (genital herpes) affects 1 in 6 Americans aged 14 to 49, according to Johns ...

Of the groups studied, 1,507 people with Alzheimer’s also had herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is the most common cause of cold sores. Only 823 people in the control group had HSV-1.

The herpes theory of Alzheimer’s disease remains controversial. A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial is underway called VALAD (Valacyclovir Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease).