Flu Drugs Reduce HIV Cognitive Decline

A new study led by Northwestern University has found that a class of flu drugs, including Oseltamivir, may reduce cognitive decline and premature aging in people living with chronic HIV infection. The research, published in Med (journal)>>>, identified the degradation of protective sugar molecules called glycans as a biological culprit for cognitive symptoms in HIV patients. By analyzing blood samples from over 100 individuals with HIV and conducting lab and mouse studies, scientists, including lead author Mohamed Abdel-Mohsen>>>, discovered that sialidase inhibitors preserved these sugar molecules, reduced inflammation, slowed biological aging, and protected memory. The findings suggest a potential new therapy for cognitive problems in HIV patients and broader implications for other aging-related diseases like dementia. The study was supported by the United States — National Institutes of Health>>> and involved collaborators like Leila Bertoni Giron>>>, Shalini Singh>>>, and Frank Palella>>>.