An experimental Alzheimer’s drug modestly slowed the brain disease’s inevitable worsening, researchers reported -- but it remains unclear how much difference that might make in people’s lives.
But doctors are divided over how much difference those changes may make for patients and families.
But Dr. Ron Petersen, an Alzheimer’s expert at the Mayo Clinic, said the drug’s effect was “a modest one but I think it’s clinically meaningful” -- because even a few months’ delay in progression could give someone a little more time when they’re functioning independently. But any delay in cognitive decline early on could be meaningful for “how much time we have with our loved ones in a stage of disease where we can still enjoy family and outings, vacations, bucket lists,” she said.
But Mayo’s Petersen said if lecanemab is approved for use in the U.S., he’d avoid prescribing it to people on blood thinners at least initially. Nearly all treatments available for the 6 million Americans with Alzheimer’s — and millions more worldwide — only temporarily ease symptoms. Scientists don’t yet know exactly how Alzheimer’s forms but one theory is that gunky amyloid buildup plays a key role, although drug after drug that targets it has failed.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lancia Design Day heralds start of a new eraLancia is back! A new logo, a new philosophy and new cars coming, too. Hopefully they'll have wheels 🛞
Read more »
DOJ: Bothell drug dealer sentenced 10 years for involvement in 2020 drug ring takedownA Bothell man who was involved in a major drug ring bust in 2020 was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). FOX13
Read more »
New Alzheimer’s Drug Shows Positive Results but Side EffectsA new Alzheimer’s drug slowed cognitive decline in a study, but caused brain bleeds and swelling in some patients, furthering debate about its usefulness
Read more »
New data shows Alzheimer's drug can slow cognitive declineResearchers followed nearly 1,800 patients over the course of 18 months and found the drug 'resulted in moderately less decline on measures of cognition and function,' compared to patients who received a placebo.
Read more »
Drug slows Alzheimer's but can it make a real difference?New data shows an experimental Alzheimer's drug modestly slowed the brain disease's inevitable worsening.
Read more »
Samsung may be working on next-gen superfast chargingA new US trademark application from Samsung may be hinting at new heights for charging speeds.
Read more »