World Alzheimer’s Day: Here’s How Far We’ve Come in Search of a Cure

After years of stagnation in research, recent developments in treatment and diagnosis have sparked optimism among
Alzheimer’s patients. Two new medications and a groundbreaking blood test are providing avenues for combating this
devastating disease. However, the effectiveness of these advancements remains a topic of discussion.

Alzheimer’s disease, which constitutes approximately 70% of global dementia cases, is a significant health concern,
leading to numerous fatalities among the elderly.

On the observance of Alzheimer’s Day this Sunday, here’s a comprehensive overview of the latest strides in
preventing, diagnosing, and treating this condition.

Evaluating the New Medications

Billions of dollars have been invested over the years in the search for an Alzheimer’s treatment, with limited
success until recently. However, a breakthrough has emerged in the form of two new drugs:
donanemab, developed by Eli Lilly, and lecanemab, produced by Biogen and Eisai. These treatments have been demonstrated to
significantly decelerate the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Despite these advancements, the medications are only moderately effective and are designed primarily for
individuals in the early stages of the disease. Serious side effects, including potential brain hemorrhages, have
raised concerns regarding whether the advantages of these treatments outweigh the risks involved.

Lecanemab, marketed as Leqembi, has gained approval in several countries, including the United States. Yet,
French health authorities have chosen not to include it in their state health insurance because of insufficient
demonstrated benefits relative to its cost. This decision mirrors that of the UK’s health service, which stated
that both new Alzheimer’s drugs lacked sufficient efficacy given their pricing.

Advancements in Early Diagnostic Methods

Another significant area of debate within Alzheimer’s research, particularly in Europe and the United States,
concerns the diagnostic process for the disease.

The traditional diagnostic approach for Alzheimer’s typically necessitates an invasive lumbar puncture, which
may exclude some high-risk candidates from evaluation. However, a new blood test
has recently been developed to detect specific biological markers associated with the disease.

This blood test has received authorization from US authorities since May, although no such test has yet been
approved in Europe. One promising blood test is currently undergoing a national clinical trial in the UK.

There remain questions about whether this blood testing can stand alone as a definitive diagnostic tool. Last
year, the US nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association updated its criteria to consider biomarkers alone as sufficient
for diagnosis. Conversely, most European specialists argue that a comprehensive clinical evaluation is still necessary
to ascertain an individual’s cognitive and functional decline.

Many individuals may exhibit abnormal biomarkers without progressing to dementia, prompting skepticism from
experts like Dutch neurologist Edo Richard.

These two matters are interconnected, as advocates for the new drugs suggest that early diagnosis could enhance
treatment effectiveness.

Exploring Preventative Measures for Alzheimer’s

There is growing consensus about the factors that contribute to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s
disease. Almost half of all cases can be traced to lifestyle choices, such as obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol
consumption, lack of physical activity, and hearing impairment, according to a recent review in The Lancet.

Numerous studies aim to ascertain whether initiatives promoting exercise and healthier eating can effectively
mitigate the risk of Alzheimer’s. Nonetheless, as of now, randomized controlled trials targeting these risk factors
have yielded limited or no significant results concerning cognitive decline.

Recent research published in JAMA indicated that after two years of intensive health support, a slight slowdown in
cognitive decline was observed among Alzheimer’s patients.

For Alzheimer’s patients and their families, the progress made might appear modest, as noted by French
epidemiologist Cecilia Samieri at a recent conference. Nevertheless, compared to the stagnation of previous
years, the advancements represent a significant leap in understanding the disease. She expressed hope that
long-term trials, spanning 10 to 15 years, would ultimately demonstrate the effectiveness of such interventions
against diseases like Alzheimer’s that develop over extended periods.

© Agence France-Presse