Alzheimer’s disease progressively erodes memory, emotional well-being, and cognitive functionality, leading to increasingly pronounced behavioral shifts.
As this condition evolves, treatment approaches must adeptly adapt, integrating advancements in therapies as they surface.Navigating through the Alzheimer’s journey, it’s natural to seek out cutting-edge treatment breakthroughs.
For insights into pioneering and exploratory treatments for Alzheimer’s, we turned to Dr. Mike Gorenchtein, an esteemed expert in geriatric medicine at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, New York.
Is there any hope for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease?
According to Gorenchtein’s statement to Healthline, we are yet to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, he highlighted the remarkable progress made in research and medicine over the years, enhancing our understanding of the complex processes involved in the disease’s development. Advances in scientific knowledge have paved the way for new therapies that aim to decelerate the decline in memory and cognitive function.
Researchers are also working on innovative screening methods to detect early indicators of Alzheimer’s, potentially before any memory or cognitive issues become noticeable.
What are the latest interventions for Alzheimer’s disease?
Gorenchtein informed Healthline that the FDA has recently given its stamp of approval to two novel treatment options: aducanumab (Aduhelm) and lecanemab (Leqembi). Both have been fast-tracked by the FDA based on promising outcomes in clinical trials, though further research is needed to confirm their efficacy in managing Alzheimer’s.
The pharmaceutical company behind these drugs has decided to discontinue the production and sale of Aduhelm while continuing with Leqembi.
How do Aduhelm and Leqembi function?
Aduhelm and Leqembi are monoclonal antibodies designed to target and eliminate amyloid-beta plaques—these are the protein accumulations that develop amongst neurons in Alzheimer’s patients. Clinical studies have concentrated on individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment or early stages of Alzheimer’s dementia.
“The main objective is to slow the progression of cognitive deterioration from an early stage,” explained Gorenchtein to Healthline.
Therefore, it’s crucial for patients to undergo prompt cognitive assessments by geriatricians or neurologists to identify Alzheimer’s early signs. These initial memory lapses can be inconspicuous, often going unnoticed by the patients’ relatives.
For those prescribed Leqembi, it’s essential to remain committed to regular check-ups, enabling the monitoring of the disease’s progression and any potential side effects from the treatment, such as cerebral edema and hemorrhage.
Gorenchtein shared with Healthline that aside from the Aduhelm and Leqembi monoclonal antibody therapies which target amyloid beta accumulations, there are additional treatments undergoing investigation. These trials aim to determine the treatments’ safety and potential benefits, opening pathways for future FDA endorsement.
Furthermore, he elaborated on other promising therapies in development that could be instrumental in the fight against Alzheimer’s, such as:
- Medications that defend the brain from ongoing inflammation
- Novel therapies aimed at hindering the excessive buildup of tau protein, which is responsible for stabilizing neurons but becomes detrimental when abnormally aggregated in Alzheimer’s patients
- Advanced surgical techniques designed to rectify lymphatic system malfunctions within the brain
Given the critical role tau protein plays in neuron stability and the emerging theory that disrupted lymphatic flow could contribute to Alzheimer’s, researchers are keen to explore these avenues.
Managing Alzheimer’s with existing options is multifaceted, combining:
- Educational resources for patients and caregivers
- Modifications in behavior and lifestyle
- A range of supportive services
- Medicinal treatments
For those experiencing mild cognitive symptoms, a doctor might prescribe Leqembi to aid in decelerating the disease’s advancement.
There are also other established medications on the market targeting memory loss and cognitive abnormalities:
- Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne)
- Memantine (Namenda), a regulator of the neurotransmitter glutamate
- The combination drug Namzaric, integrating donepezil and memantine
While cholinesterase inhibitors are typically the initial treatment for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s-related dementia, they can sometimes cause undesirable effects like gastrointestinal distress or a slow heart rate.
If tolerance issues arise with these inhibitors, or if dementia becomes more profound, a doctor may suggest shifting to memantine or incorporating it with the current treatment regimen, though it may also bring side effects such as dizziness and confusion.
For behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s—like sleep disturbances, depression, agitation, aggression, hallucinations, and delusions—additional treatments are recommended.
“Dealing with the behavioral aspects of Alzheimer’s, which can be more disruptive than the cognitive symptoms, generally involves a mix of education for families and caregivers, behavioral therapies, and medications,” Gorenchtein noted.