Drugs to Treat Alzheimer’s Are Proving to Be Game-Changing

Two game-changing drugs in the treatment of Alzheimer’s show up to 35 percent effectiveness in clinical trials.

“This is truly a turning point in the fight against Alzheimer’s, and science is proving that it is possible to slow down the disease,” says Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at Alzheimer’s Society. “People may have to live with it, but they could have treatments that allow them to effectively manage their symptoms and continue to live fulfilled lives.”

Donanemab, made by Eli Lilly, may prove to be a turning point in the fight against Alzheimer’s, making the disease as manageable as conditions such as diabetes or asthma, experts say. Following effective clinical trials where the cognitive decline was slowed by 35 percent, Eli Lilly has applied for or will soon apply for regulatory approval in various countries. A second drug, lecanemab, made by Eisai and Biogen, reduced cognitive decline in trial participants by 27 percent and has recently been approved in the United States. Essentially, the drugs remove a protein called amyloid from the brain and thus slow down the progression of the disease. It could mean that people with the disease could continue to go about day-to-day tasks such as shopping, housekeeping, managing finances, and taking medications.