Alzheimer's disease is a devastating neurological condition that affects millions of people around the world. But a new drug has been found to potentially slow its progression. In May, the most comprehensive results of phase 3 clinical trials were presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, showing that the drug delays the progression of the disease by 35% compared to a placebo in 1,182 people with early-stage Alzheimer's. The study revealed that the drug works by targeting two key proteins associated with Alzheimer's: amyloid beta and tau.
Tau is a protein linked to disease progression and brain cell death, and its presence in intermediate levels was found to be a major factor in the drug's effectiveness. Alzheimer's experts are eager to see the full results of the study, including data on drug performance in people carrying a gene at risk for Alzheimer's disease known as APOE4. Previous trials have indicated that this gene may increase the risk of side effects. The new drug offers hope for those living with Alzheimer's, but it is important to remember that it is still in its early stages of development. More research is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness and safety. In the meantime, there are other treatments available for those living with Alzheimer's, such as lifestyle changes, medications, and therapies.
