After a research revealed for the first time that a treatment can reduce the crippling symptoms of Alzheimer’s, doctors welcomed a “new era” in medicine.
Results from the clinical research also showed that the medication lecanemab removed amyloid protein clumps from patients’ brains, which are believed to be a major factor in the development of the most common form of dementia.
The statistics, which were released at a symposium in San Francisco, inspired scientists, many of whom had spent decades trying to comprehend what causes the disease and discover a cure, to express an outpouring of optimism.
What is Alzheimer’s disease, how common is it, and will a new medicine benefit people in the UK?
The outcomes, according to Rob Howard, a professor of old age psychiatry at University College London, were “”At long last, we have gained some traction on this most dreadful and feared disease, and the years of research and investment have finally paid off,” he continued, adding that it was “wonderful and hope-filled.”
“It has a historic and significant vibe. This will foster genuine hope that dementia may be fought and perhaps even one day cured.”
Before the full results were announced at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease meeting, the drug’s manufacturers disclosed top-line data in a news release earlier in the autumn. However, many doctors refrained from rejoicing.
They demonstrated that lecanemab delayed the loss of mental acuity and memory in people with moderate Alzheimer’s by 27%.
“Doctors are upbeat,”
Importantly, the medicine eliminated so much amyloid protein that the patients would not have had enough brain scan evidence of Alzheimer’s disease to properly qualify for inclusion into the trial.
The findings strongly implies that the medicine only begins to have a therapeutic effect once amyloid levels in the brain are brought down to low levels.
Results showed that medication was unsuccessful after 12 months, but after 18 months, a considerable benefit was seen.
The medical community is hopeful that continuous treatment will provide even better outcomes.
“It validates a new era of disease modification for Alzheimer’s disease, an era that arrives after more than 20 years of arduous work by many, many people, with many setbacks along the way,” said Professor Nick Fox, director of the Dementia Research Centre at University College London.
There is no cure for lecanemab. However, even a slight slowdown in the disease’s progression would be a game-changer, postponing the need for specialised care and allowing patients to spend more time with their family.
Though the medication has adverse effects.
Given lecanemab, one in eight patients experienced brain edoema and other abnormalities, which were likely brought on by the removal of the amyloid protein. However, the majority only showed signs of issues on brain scans. Less than one in thirty people actually had symptoms like headaches or disorientation.
Although some patients experienced brain bleeding, treatment recipients did not die any more often than those who received a placebo.
However, it emphasises the significance of closely watching patients receiving treatment.
Dr. Fox stated: “Although taking a risk is undoubtedly vital, I think many of my patients would be more than willing to do so.
A significant problem for the NHS
Not just because the medication must be administered intravenously every two weeks, doctors warned that lecanemab will present a significant challenge to the NHS.
Most Alzheimer’s patients today receive their diagnosis when they are experiencing mild symptoms, which is too late for lecanemab treatment. Only 1% of patients get a brain scan or lumbar puncture, which involves a spinal fluid sampling, to confirm their diagnosis.
Director of research Susan Kohlhaas from Alzheimer’s Research UK said: “Undoubtedly, the NHS is not prepared for a new era of dementia care.
“We estimate that only 2% of people who are eligible for medications like lecanemab will be able to access them unless there are significant changes in how people access specialist diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s disease.”
Drugs that only addressed symptoms rather than the underlying cause were available up until this point. Lecanemab, however, will cause brain cells to die and the disease to advance if it is approved for use on the NHS.
The medication, according to Prof. John Hardy of the UK Dementia Research Institute in London, has been “a long time coming.”
Added him: “I genuinely think it heralds the start of the end.
“Since the initial step is the most difficult, we now fully understand what must be done in order to create potent medications. It’s encouraging to think that subsequent research will build on this and that we will soon have treatments for this illness that will change people’s lives.”