New Alzheimer’s Drug Could be a Game-Changer for Many

You may have read recently about ground-breaking trials of a new drug that appears to slow down the progress of Alzheimer’s disease.

The announcement by pharmaceutical companies Eisai and Biogen has been described as a ‘historic moment’ in dementia research.

The drug, called lecanemab, is designed to remove proteins that build up in the brains of people with the condition, and it’s certainly true that the initial findings are promising.

In the trial, 1,795 volunteers in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease were injected with lecanemab every two weeks and regularly had their memory and mental agility tested.

Results showed that the pace of cognitive decline had been reduced by 27% over the course of the 18-month trial, compared with people given a dummy, or placebo, treatment.

Alzheimer’s Society has played an important part in research that paved the way for this latest breakthrough. Our research was responsible for demonstrating the importance of the build-up of proteins in the brain, known as amyloid plaques, and the part they play in Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr Richard Oakley, our Associate Director of Research, said: “This research could be game-changing in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. For decades, people have been desperately waiting for a drug to slow down the progress of the disease, so this exciting news represents a real breakthrough moment in dementia research.”

The full data on the lecanemab trial is due to be published in November, so we eagerly await that. Dr Oakley added: “I believe research will cure dementia, and this is a vital milestone on that journey.

“With further promising drugs in the pipeline, we can’t stress enough how important it is that the Government recommits to the dementia mission, to get the funding needed to beat dementia and transform hundreds of thousands of lives.

“Now is the time to invest in research and tackle one of the biggest medical challenges facing the planet.”

• Ken Oxley is the Regional Media Officer for Alzheimer’s Society in the North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

Ken Oxley

Media Officer

North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Alzheimer’s Society

07874 886222