Dementia: The Treatments Fighting ‘One of the Biggest’ Health Crises
Summary
Experts warn that dementia is a major global health issue, affecting millions as the population ages. Recent research has led to two new treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. These treatments aim to address the disease early, offering potential benefits to patients.Key Facts
- Dementia affects about 57 million people worldwide, with nearly 10 million new cases each year.
- In the U.S., 42% of people over 55 may develop dementia.
- Aging is the biggest risk factor for dementia, making it more common in people over 60.
- Alzheimer's disease accounts for about 60% of dementia cases.
- Two new treatments, lecanemab and donanemab, remove amyloid from the brain, slowing disease progression by four to six months.
- Early diagnosis and treatment, during mild cognitive impairment, show the most benefit.
- Future drugs, like trontinemab, are being developed to improve treatment effectiveness and reduce side effects.
- Research breakthroughs have come from studies dating back to the late 1980s.
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