Every year on September 21, the world observes World Alzheimer’s Day, not only to recognize scientific advancements in diagnosis and treatment but also to raise awareness of this increasingly common disease. Alzheimer’s is one of the most urgent medical challenges—it affects not only the patient, damaging brain cells and memory, but also impacts society, especially families who care for loved ones with the condition.
How Far Has Alzheimer’s Treatment Come?
Despite ongoing research, the growing global population of older adults means the number of Alzheimer’s patients is expected to double in the coming decades. Yet, there is reason for optimism: recent advancements in both diagnosis and treatment are worth celebrating.
Drugs That Slow Disease Progression
For many years, Alzheimer’s treatments focused only on symptom management—improving concentration or reducing behavioral issues—without affecting disease progression.
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In 2023, the FDA approved Leqembi, the first drug shown to slow disease progression by targeting amyloid protein deposits in the brain. This approval marked a major milestone, and in several countries, the drug is now covered by health insurance.
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In July 2024, the FDA approved Kisunla, an intravenous injection given every four weeks, which significantly reduces cognitive decline, especially in early-stage patients. Treatment can be paused once amyloid levels are sufficiently reduced, offering greater flexibility for future therapies.
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In 2025, a subcutaneous version of Leqembi became available, allowing patients to continue treatment at home, making therapy more convenient.
Side Effects: Some patients may experience brain edema, requiring careful MRI monitoring. Experts note that for early-stage patients, the benefits generally outweigh the risks.
A Revolution in Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is crucial, allowing interventions before significant cognitive decline occurs. In 2024, the NIA-AA and National Institute on Aging redefined Alzheimer’s as a biological disease, diagnosed using key biomarkers:
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Amyloid accumulation
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Phosphorylated tau protein
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Neurodegenerative changes
Blood Tests for Alzheimer’s
Previously, accurate diagnosis relied on costly tests like PET scans or CSF analysis. In May 2025, the FDA approved the first blood test measuring p-tau217 and beta-amyloid 42, offering clinic-level accuracy. A study in JAMA Neurology reported a 93% accuracy rate in distinguishing Alzheimer’s from other dementias.
Two-Step Strategy: Initial blood testing followed by confirmatory PET or CSF tests can raise diagnostic accuracy to 95% while reducing cost and complexity.
Digital Tools and Future Directions
Researchers are exploring non-invasive, technology-driven diagnostics, such as:
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Retinal imaging for early Alzheimer’s markers
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Digital applications tracking cognitive changes (speech patterns, mental activity)
These tools, still in development, point to a future of accessible, non-invasive, and early detection methods.
What This Means for Patients
While Alzheimer’s remains a serious threat to older adults, these developments offer hope. Early detection allows doctors to begin treatment sooner, preserving quality of life longer. New drugs provide opportunities to slow disease progression, giving patients and families more time with loved ones.
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