16-05-2025
New Alzheimer's Treatments Could Slow Memory Loss—Here's What to Know
Research is constantly evolving in the world of cognitive health, including for neurological diseases for which there are currently no cures or guaranteed preventive methods. In regards to the most common—Alzheimer's disease—we asked a leading geriatric psychiatrist to offer insights into the latest findings in treatment, screening and holistic care.
The current research around treatment is advancing toward disease-modifying therapies to address the underlying biology of Alzheimer's disease in different ways, explains Brent Forester, MD, Psychiatrist-in-Chief and Chair for the Department of Psychiatry at Tufts Medical Center, Director of Behavioral Health for Tufts Medicine and Professor of Psychiatry.
Here we break down both the existing medications to help with cognitive complaints as well as those still in clinical trials or development.
There are currently two medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Alzheimer's: donanemab (brand name Kisunla) and lecanemab (brand name Leqembi). The two recently introduced compounds are anti-amyloid therapeutics, meaning they are designed to stick to and help remove amyloid beta protein.
Abnormal buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain is believed to contribute to memory loss. And while removing these proteins appears to slow disease progression, neither medication will completely stop or reverse Alzheimer's.
'We know for sure based on the research that's been done that when you look at before-and-after of amyloid brain scans, amyloid is high and then it essentially goes completely away after treatment,' confirms Dr. Forester.
Dr. Forester emphasizes that these drugs are most effective when administered in people with early stages of Alzheimer's disease before significant cognitive decline occurs. Once someone is no longer able to function, drive or pay their bills, even if amyloid is removed from the brain, it's too late for the drugs to have a clinically-beneficial effect.
'There's only a [specific] window where these will potentially be beneficial, and that is in the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage, where there is mild cognitive impairment and normal functioning, or in the very mild Alzheimer's-type dementia stage where people are just mildly affected from a cognitive and functional standpoint,' explains Dr. Forester.
Right now, these drugs are only approved and available to be delivered through intravenous infusions. That means people are required to come into an infusion center either every other week or once a month to get an hour-long IV treatment, he notes.
There are also side effects associated with the drugs, especially those that may present more serious complications. Dr. Forester says two big concerns are bleeding or swelling of the brain, for which certain genetic factors can increase risk.
Over the next few years, it is likely that Alzheimer's drugs examining specific tangled protein fibers in the brain will advance through clinical trials, predicts Dr. Forester.
'There are also a number of compounds being studied to address other pathways that have not been addressed thus far,' he says. 'These are more directed at inflammation, energy metabolism, oxidative stress—more basic underlying pathways that contribute to the disease.'
There is currently no definitive diagnostic method for Alzheimer's. According to the National Institute on Aging, if cognitive decline is suspected, doctors may ask a patient (or a family member) if they are experiencing certain symptoms and ask questions about their overall health, use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diet, past medical problems, ability to carry out daily activities and changes in behavior and personality.
To land on a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, doctors may also:
Conduct tests of memory, problem solving, attention, counting and language
Order blood, urine and other standard medical tests to rule out other conditions
Administer a psychiatric evaluation to determine if depression or another mental health condition is causing or contributing to a person's symptoms
Collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via a spinal tap and measure the levels of proteins associated with Alzheimer's and related dementias
Perform various brain scans
Dr. Forester notes that researchers are also getting 'very close' to having a blood-based biomarker that could be used for clinical practice. The two purposes of a biomarker would be to find the disease early enough that a difference could be made from a treatment perspective, as well as to track the effectiveness of the treatment.
'Once an individual advances past the early dementia stage, these new treatments are ineffective, so it's really important to talk to your doctor right away and ask what could be helpful,' he advises. 'Don't be afraid.'
Advancements in Alzheimer's Treatment: Research is progressing towards disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer's, focusing on addressing the underlying biology of the disease. Two FDA-approved medications, donanemab and lecanemab, are designed to remove amyloid beta protein, which is believed to contribute to memory loss.
Effectiveness and Administration of Current Drugs: These drugs are most effective in the early stages of Alzheimer's, specifically during mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or very mild dementia stages. They are administered through intravenous infusions, but come with potential side effects like brain bleeding or swelling.
New Medications in Development: Future Alzheimer's treatments may target tangled protein fibers and other pathways like inflammation and oxidative stress. These developments are expected to progress through clinical trials in the coming years.
Testing and Diagnosis: Currently, there is no definitive diagnostic method for Alzheimer's. Diagnosis involves a combination of cognitive tests, medical evaluations and brain scans. Researchers are close to developing a blood-based biomarker for early detection and treatment tracking.
Importance of Early Detection: Early detection is crucial as new treatments are ineffective once the disease progresses beyond the early dementia stage. Patients are encouraged to consult their doctors early if cognitive decline is suspected.
An AI tool helped compile and summarize the key takeaways in this story. The story was then edited by Woman's World staff.
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Certain Alzheimer's Risks May Be Within Your Control, Say Doctors: How to Keep Your Mind SharpThis content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
