Major Advancements in Alzheimer’s Treatment Announced

Recent advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment mark significant progress in combating this neurodegenerative disease. Here are some highlights:

Donanemab: Dr. Richard Oakley from the Alzheimer’s Society described the breakthrough drug donanemab as “a turning point” in the fight against Alzheimer’s, supporting earlier trial results that suggested it might slow down the disease’s progression.
Gamma-Wave Treatments: MIT has been pioneering the use of gamma-wave treatments for Alzheimer’s, showing dramatic results in early clinical trials. This approach involves enhancing 40-cycle-per-second gamma waves via flickering light and sound stimulation, significantly reducing amyloid protein levels in animal models. A phase 2 trial of a proprietary device showed decreased brain volume loss and significant slowing in functional and cognitive decline among early-stage Alzheimer’s patients.
Lecanemab: Trial results have indicated that lecanemab can slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients by approximately 25 to 35 percent compared to a placebo, on measures of cognitive and functional decline over 18 months. This drug targets amyloid beta plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles, both key indicators of Alzheimer’s.
Leqembi (Eisai and Biogen’s anti-amyloid antibody): The US FDA fully approved Leqembi, marking it as the first anti-amyloid antibody to gain such regulatory status. This approval paves the way for Medicare coverage in the US, though practical challenges remain in making the drug widely accessible.
Focused Ultrasound (FUS) Treatment: Researchers used a focused ultrasound system to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier (BBB), allowing increased access of anti-amyloid-beta antibodies to targeted brain areas. This method showed an average of 32 percent more reduction in amyloid-beta plaques compared to areas without BBB opening.

These advancements represent a multifaceted approach to Alzheimer’s treatment, ranging from drug development to innovative therapies like gamma-wave stimulation and focused ultrasound. Each offers hope for slowing the disease’s progression and improving patient outcomes, though further research and accessibility improvements are needed to fully realize their potential.