New developments are taking place in helping Alzheimer's patients. The most recent one is an antibody therapy that is said to have the capability to remove the amyloid toxin in patients that slows down the progression of the disease during clinical trials, according to The Independent.
A Major Breakthrough
The antibody therapy trial consisted of almost 1,800 individuals between 50-90 years old who had been diagnosed with early Alzheimer's disease. The drug used was administered to patients every two weeks via an intravenous drop for a period of 18 months.
The researchers assessed the severity of dementia by measuring its symptoms and found that memory decline slowed down in patients by 27 percent. Although the drug did not stop the progression of Alzheimer's in patients, it managed to slow it down.
Also, during the trial, blood tests and brain scans were used to measure amyloid levels in patients. Those who received the drug during the trial showed low levels of amyloid that they can no longer be clinically diagnosed as affected by the disease.
Also read : Cheap Blood Tests Could Detect Alzheimer's Early Signs and Prevent the Disease's Progression
Drug Availability
With the success of the drug, many are curious to know when it will be available. Unfortunately, there is no wonder about this yet as they will still be tested in longer period trials to ensure their efficacy and safety. A report by The Guardian also warned about the risk of adverse events while taking the drug.
In addition, Biogen and Eisai are seeking approval for the treatment with the US FDA as early as March 2023, as reported by Interesting Engineering.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia in the world, with about 50 million individuals having this neurodegenerative disorder. It has been known to affect the elderly but is not exclusive to older adults. Men in the age group of 65 to 74 years old and women in the age group of 60 to 74 years old are considered at high risk for the disease.
It is a long-term condition that causes problems in the brain that leads to difficulties in remembering, speaking, thinking, and reasoning. Also, the disease is associated with the build-up of sticky amyloid plaques and tangled bundles of fibers in the brain, leading to the loss of brain cells.
The effects of Alzheimer's are, however, different from person to person. Some experience mild symptoms, while others experience severe symptoms that require constant care.
Finally, there are some risk factors that can start the development of Alzheimer's disease, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. People who have genetic dispositions such as Down's Syndrome, Familial Alzheimer's, ApoE4, and a certain gene called Presenilin 1 are also more likely to develop the disease.
Related article: Stimulating Frontal Lobes Of The Brain May Slow Progress Of Alzheimer's Disease
