According to official statistics by Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease affects more than six million Americans. By 2050, this number is projected to be almost 13 million. In 2023, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia will cost the country $345 billion. The number will reach $1 trillion by 2050.
Apart from affected individuals, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect caregivers and family members alike. It is America’s sixth leading cause of death, and the numbers are only set to rise further.
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is marked every June to shed light on how the condition affects millions of people. The month is dedicated to several awareness programs and fundraising activities to support people affected by the condition. It is also the perfect time to explore the various breakthroughs in terms of drugs and treatment research for Alzheimer’s that have been achieved in the past year.
The depths of scientific research across the globe have offered several glimmers of hope this year in the form of potential drugs and treatment research for Alzheimer’s disease. So let us dive deeper into these treatment options that hold steady promise for the future.
Exploring New Drugs & Treatment Research For Alzheimer’s Disease
1. Astrocyte Activity Blood Marker Can Predict Whether Cognitively Healthy Adults Will Develop Alzheimer’s In The Future.
Have you ever wondered why some people develop Alzheimer’s while others don’t? Or why do some people with Amyloid aggregates (a clear indicator of Alzheimer’s development) in their brain end up never developing the condition?
Well, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh might have just found answers to all these questions. According to research published in Nature Medicine, star-shaped brain cells, astrocytes, play a key role in the development of the condition. Furthermore, the research found that only individuals with a combination of amyloid aggregates and blood markers indicating astrocyte activity would develop the condition in the future. This is a significant discovery that can aid the development of drugs for the condition and the proper diagnosis of affected individuals.
Read more: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month – Exploring The Types
2. Clinical Drug Therapies: Donanemab and Lecanemab
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted fast-track approval to Lecanemab. Developed by pharma companies Biogen and Eisai, the drug was found to reduce cognitive decline in patients by 27% over 18 months. This included a significant decrease in amyloid aggregation in the patient’s brain.
Donanemab, though yet to be approved, has offered even higher hope, with its phase III trials data showing a 35% cognitive decline in the course of 18 months. It has also shown lower chances of side effects, including temporary brain swelling and hemorrhage.
3. Amino Acid Compound Dramatically Reduces Neurodengeration
Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have found that a string or peptide of amino acids significantly reduced neurodegeneration in studies on mice. The compound interferes with the functioning of the CDK5 enzyme. The enzyme is generally overactive in people with neurodegenerative conditions. With further tests, the researchers are positive to be able to replicate similar results in humans as well.
Read more: Brain Injury Awareness Month – Debunking The Myths
Conclusion:
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is marked every June to shed light on the struggles of individuals dealing with the condition. It is also a time to reflect on the crucial scientific developments related to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We hope this post on the latest drugs and treatment research on Alzheimer’s will help you find much-needed hope.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, click here.
To continue learning more about neurological and mental health, subscribe to Your Mental Health Pal.