2023-09-17 00:57:00
Title: Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s Research Bring Hope for Early Diagnosis and Treatment in 2023
Subtitle: Leading expert, Dr. Phasin Hemajutha, provides insights into the latest advancements
In 2023, a seismic shift in the approach to Alzheimer’s disease diagnoses and treatments is taking place, spearheaded by groundbreaking research in the field. Leading neurology specialist, Dr. Phasin Hemajutha, has played a pivotal role in unraveling the mysteries surrounding this debilitating disease. His findings were recently shared at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) held in Amsterdam.
Dr. Hemajutha emphasized the urgent need to move away from a fear of judgment and the hesitation to act. Early intervention is key in the battle against Alzheimer’s, and Dr. Hemajutha stressed the importance of taking preventive measures from a young age. These measures include exercise, dietary adjustments, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and refraining from smoking. Moderate alcohol consumption is also recommended, with a limit of 30 grams per day.
In terms of medication, several breakthrough drugs are on the horizon. Medicines such as ambroxol, an expectorant cough medicine, a sleeping pill targeting the Orexin system to improve sleep, and anti-scraping pills that hinder protein buildup in the brain are currently undergoing safety and efficacy trials. The registration process for these medications is anticipated to be completed by August 2023.
In addition to these oral medications, there have been significant advancements in injectable drugs. Lecanemab and Donanemab, which specifically target abnormal proteins, have shown promise in slowing the progression of the disease. However, there are risks associated with these treatments, including brain swelling and hemorrhage. Moreover, there are limitations to their widespread use due to the need for dose escalation and periodic brain examinations. The cost of these treatments is also a concern, with estimates suggesting an annual expense of up to eight million baht.
Comparing the current landscape to 2010, it is evident that significant strides have been made in the understanding and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Hemajutha stressed that, a decade ago, there was little hope due to ongoing debates about the disease’s mechanistic causes and the lack of reliable and accessible diagnostic tools.
Previously, diagnosis relied heavily on medical history, physical examinations, dementia assessments, and computer scans. The use of nuclear scanning to detect amyloid protein was limited due to its high cost and lack of availability. As a result, diagnosis accuracy was only 60% among experts and even lower for general doctors.
However, with advancements in technology and research, the focus shifted towards analyzing biological indices or biomarkers. In 2019, the definition of Alzheimer’s disease was expanded to include the measurement of Beta Amyloid (A) and Tau (T) biomarkers through cerebrospinal fluid tests or nuclear PET scans. This shift allowed for a more accurate and earlier diagnosis, even when symptoms were mild.
In terms of treatment, the first FDA-approved drug, Aducanumab, received accelerated approval in 2021. While effective in eliminating amyloid protein and slowing disease progression, it carries the risk of severe encephalitis and is prohibitively expensive for many patients.
Following Aducanumab, Lecanemab and Donanemab obtained FDA approval in 2023. These drugs also target amyloid protein and show promise in slowing disease progression. However, long-term studies are needed to examine their efficacy and address the possibility of multiple underlying causes, such as chronic inflammation.
Dr. Hemajutha’s research sheds light on the immense progress made in Alzheimer’s research. By using specific biomarker tests, diagnosis accuracy has significantly improved, and the disease can now be diagnosed before symptoms become evident. This shift demonstrates that Alzheimer’s disease is no longer an incurable condition; it requires early detection and tailored treatment approaches based on an individual’s pathology.
In conclusion, Dr. Hemajutha emphasizes the need for general doctors to familiarize themselves with the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s research. This understanding will enable them to overcome fear, hesitation, and doubt, leading to timely and effective interventions. As research continues, hopes remain high for more accessible and efficient diagnosis methods and innovative treatments to combat this devastating disease.
Disclaimer: The news article has been created using artificial intelligence and does not reflect the views or opinions of any individual mentioned in the content.]
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