Archive · 2 Aug 2026
BCG Vaccine Shows Promise in Preventing Alzheimer's Disease
Scientists gave a vaccine that normally protects against tuberculosis to 23 older adults to see if it could help stop Alzheimer’s.
The vaccine changed the brain’s immune cells in a good way and lowered some harmful proteins.
It was safe and didn’t cause problems.
The researchers want bigger studies, especially in India, to confirm the results.
One-year open-label trial of BCG vaccine in 23 adults aged 55+ in the U.S.
Vaccine reprogrammed brain immune cells, showing trained immunity in CSF.
Participants without Alzheimer’s pathology had favorable changes in amyloid‑beta biomarkers.
No unexpected safety concerns; vaccine well tolerated.
Researchers call for larger randomized controlled trials, especially in India.
- Who
- Dr Mahesh Chandra Kodali and 23 adults aged 55+
- What
- BCG vaccine trial to assess prevention of Alzheimer’s disease
- When
- One-year study period
- Where
- United States, single center
- Why
- To explore a low-cost, widely available preventive strategy for Alzheimer’s
- Vaccine
- Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)
- Study type
- One-year open-label clinical trial
- Participants
- 23 adults aged 55+
- Outcome
- Trained immunity in CSF and favorable amyloid‑beta changes
- Safety
- Well tolerated, no unexpected concerns