Overview
- A Northwestern-led paper published June 5, 2026 found that lower levels of protective blood glycans were associated with cognitive impairment in an analysis of more than 100 people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy.
- In cell and mouse experiments reported in the same study, two sialidase inhibitors — oseltamivir (Tamiflu) plus an experimental inhibitor — preserved glycans, reduced chronic inflammation, slowed markers of biological aging, and protected memory.
- The researchers observed stronger glycan degradation in women, with a rapid shift to a more inflammatory glycan profile around menopause compared with the gradual changes seen in men.
- Authors warned that the drugs have not been tested in people for this use and advised against off‑label use while the team pursues more preclinical optimization and plans studies to validate glycans as predictive blood biomarkers.
- If validated in human trials, the findings could open a path to repurposing an existing drug class and to blood tests that predict or prevent dementia-like decline, but clinical safety, dose, and duration must be established first.