2023-11-05 07:53:00
New Therapies Against Alzheimer’s Disease on the Horizon, Promising to Slow Down Cognitive Decline
November 5, 2023, 6:53 a.m
Memory loss and cognitive decline associated with dementia may soon be combated by two new drugs. Applications are currently being submitted to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for approval of these groundbreaking therapies. One of the drugs has already been approved in the USA, marking a significant milestone in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Neurologist Dorothee Saur, who works at Leipzig University Hospital, emphasizes the importance of these new therapies. “To date, there are no effective treatments available to influence the process of cognitive decline in dementia,” states Saur. The approval of these drugs, therefore, brings hope to millions of individuals affected by this devastating disease.
The two new therapies focus on slowing down the loss of brain and memory performance associated with Alzheimer’s. “By stimulating the immune system to attack and eliminate amyloid deposits, known as plaques, the administered antibodies effectively slow down the progression of the disease,” explains Saur. The effect of these therapies can be observed through special PET brain scans, where existing deposits disappear almost completely. While the progression of the disease cannot be completely halted, it is significantly slowed down, providing patients with additional years of life with fewer restrictions.
The advantage of these new therapies lies in their ability to target individuals in the early stages of dementia. Through innovative methods such as PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid diagnostics, doctors can identify the disease at an early stage and initiate treatment. This early intervention can lead to a decrease in the progression of the disease by up to 30%, greatly benefiting patients whose brain functions are still largely intact. It is anticipated that the therapies will receive approval for use in early disease progression, despite the ongoing discussion surrounding approval criteria.
The potential approval of these two new therapies offers a glimmer of hope to those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. While the disease remains incurable, the ability to slow down its progression represents a significant breakthrough. The approval from the EMA would bring new treatment options to individuals and their families, offering a chance for improved quality of life and the possibility of more time spent with loved ones.]
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