Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative illness that doesn’t have a cure, but innovative treatments and therapies offer hope.
At his eponymous practice, board-certified neurologist Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating dementia and Alzheimer’s in his patients in Arcadia, California. Here, we take a closer look at some of the new treatments and diagnostics offered and explain how they may benefit you or your loved one.
Much of the recent Alzheimer’s research focuses on monoclonal antibodies — a class of drugs that target and remove beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. Beta-amyloid plaques are abnormal clumps of protein that form in the brain’s gray matter. They disrupt cell function and may even block cell-to-cell signaling between synapses.
Currently, there are two FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies for Alzheimer’s disease:
Lecanemab is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion every two weeks. This drug targets amyloid fibrils before they can clump together and form plaques. It may also help remove beta-amyloid clumps that have already formed.
Lecanemab mimics antibodies your body naturally produces in response to harmful microorganisms or to vaccines. Clinical studies show it slows declines in thinking and functioning in people with early Alzheimer’s disease.
Donenanemab is administered as an IV infusion every four weeks. It works similarly to lecandemab but targets amyloid plaques that have already formed (clumps of fibrils). Deonenanemab is the only drug that seems to be particularly beneficial in slowing early-stage Alzheimer’s.
Although clinical trials have shown positive results in slowing Alzheimer’s progression, monoclonal antibodies aren’t for everyone. The drugs increase the risk of severe side effects like brain swelling and bleeding, so users must be monitored closely throughout treatment.
The development of monoclonal antibodies isn’t the only innovation taking place in terms of Alzheimer’s care. Researchers are also developing ways to detect the disease early and prevent it altogether.
Alzheimer’s disease causes amyloid and tau proteins to build up in the brain. When this happens, the immune system tries to clear them from the body, which causes them to enter the spinal fluid, and ultimately, the bloodstream.
Scientists are hard at work developing tests that could quickly detect these proteins in the blood. Theoretically, the sooner they’re detected, the sooner treatment could begin and slow further protein clumps from forming.
A preliminary test conducted by Swedish researchers diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease with 88%-92% accuracy. However, the test is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Scientists and researchers don’t know what causes Alzheimer’s disease, but heart-related health problems may contribute. As a result, most experts recommend living a heart-healthy lifestyle. That means:
Staying mentally and socially active is also important. A growing body of evidence suggests the risk of dementia is lower in people who take part in group activities, try new hobbies, and spend time with friends.
Alzheimer’s research is evolving all the time. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed, prompt intervention can slow the disease’s progression and improve the quality of life. To schedule an appointment with Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, call, or book an appointment online.
