How do Alzheimer’s drugs work?
These drugs work in different ways to help improve communication in the brain and reduce symptoms:
- Aducanumab and lecanemab eliminate the beta-amyloid protein, which interferes with neuronal communication.
- Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine slow the breakdown of key neurotransmitters.
- Memantine regulates the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter important for memory and learning.
What is the best treatment currently?
Treatment with donanemab represents the most significant and promising advance in the fight against Alzheimer’s by slowing cognitive decline in patients, according to a recent study.
This antibody drug targets the early stages of the disease, eliminating a protein built up in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Although it is not a cure, experts view the results of the research with optimism, marking a new paradigm in the treatment of Alzheimer’s.
Why does it generate optimism?
Clinical trials of donanemab have shown a decrease in disease progression by a third, allowing affected people to retain more of their quality of life and autonomy in daily activities such as cooking or enjoying hobbies. This advance is encouraging for patients and their families, as it suggests a path toward more effective treatments. Additionally, donanemab specifically targets Alzheimer’s, making it more precise and effective.
What risks does it involve?
Despite the enthusiasm, it is important to exercise caution. Donanemab and similar treatments are not a definitive cure and are associated with risks. Side effects included brain inflammation, which affected a third of study participants, although in most cases, it resolved without symptoms. Two participants died due to this brain inflammation. Other medications, such as aducanumab, face safety and efficacy challenges, underscoring the need to continue researching and evaluating these treatments.