Antiviral Therapy Fails to Slow Alzheimer’s: The VALAD Trial Reveals Unexpected Cognitive Worsening with Valacyclovir
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Antiviral Therapy Fails to Slow Alzheimer’s: The VALAD Trial Reveals Unexpected Cognitive Worsening with Valacyclovir

The VALAD randomized clinical trial found that valacyclovir did not improve outcomes in patients with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s and HSV seropositivity. Instead, patients receiving the antiviral showed significantly greater cognitive decline compared to placebo over 78 weeks, cautioning against off-label use.
Tailored Weight Loss Interventions for Veterans with Serious Mental Illness: Efficacy and Implementation Insights from Recent RCT Evidence
Posted inClinical Updates Internal Medicine news Psychiatry

Tailored Weight Loss Interventions for Veterans with Serious Mental Illness: Efficacy and Implementation Insights from Recent RCT Evidence

This review synthesizes evidence from a 2025 randomized clinical trial evaluating a tailored weight loss program, CoachToFit, for veterans with serious mental illness, highlighting its potential to improve weight outcomes via remote support technologies and peer-led interventions.
Individualized Feedback Letters Fail to Reduce Long-Term Alcohol Consumption: Insights from a 4-Year RCT
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Individualized Feedback Letters Fail to Reduce Long-Term Alcohol Consumption: Insights from a 4-Year RCT

A 4-year randomized controlled trial found that computer-generated feedback letters failed to reduce alcohol consumption in the general population. Unexpectedly, the control group showed greater reduction at 48 months, suggesting that current digital intervention strategies may require significant adaptation for low-risk drinkers.
Optimizing Opioid Use Disorder Treatment: When Does 300 mg Outperform 100 mg of Extended-Release Buprenorphine?
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Optimizing Opioid Use Disorder Treatment: When Does 300 mg Outperform 100 mg of Extended-Release Buprenorphine?

This randomized clinical trial compares 100-mg and 300-mg maintenance doses of extended-release buprenorphine. While overall efficacy was similar, the 300-mg dose significantly improved abstinence among patients with high-frequency fentanyl use, suggesting a need for dose-intensification in the era of potent synthetic opioids.
CBT‑I in Cancer Survivors: Small Subjective Gains, Unclear Objective Benefits — What the 2025 Cochrane Review Tells Clinicians
Posted innews Oncology Psychiatry

CBT‑I in Cancer Survivors: Small Subjective Gains, Unclear Objective Benefits — What the 2025 Cochrane Review Tells Clinicians

A 2025 Cochrane review of 21 RCTs (2431 participants) finds cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT‑I) yields modest improvements in self‑reported insomnia and sleep quality in people with cancer versus inactive controls or aerobic activity; objective sleep changes and long‑term effects remain uncertain.