Report suggests 'breakthrough' Alzheimer's drugs unlikely to benefit patients
Summary
A new analysis finds that drugs removing beta amyloid plaques in the brain slow Alzheimer’s disease but not enough to meaningfully help patients. Experts note these drugs are costly, require frequent doses, and carry risks like brain swelling, leading to debate over their overall value.Key Facts
- The drugs target beta amyloid, sticky clumps that build up between brain cells in Alzheimer's.
- Two drugs, donanemab and lecanemab, can slow cognitive decline, marking a first in Alzheimer’s treatment.
- A review of 17 studies with over 20,000 volunteers found the benefits of amyloid-removing drugs are too small to significantly improve patients’ lives.
- These drugs can cause side effects such as brain swelling and bleeding.
- Treatments must be given every two to four weeks and cost around £90,000 for 18 months privately in the UK.
- The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) currently does not pay for these drugs due to cost and unclear benefit.
- Some scientists agree with the report; others say it wrongly groups different drugs and misses important differences.
- Researchers suggest exploring other Alzheimer’s treatments, like those targeting brain inflammation.
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