Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, researchers are constantly working on developing new treatments to help slow down the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for those affected.

1. Aducanumab (Aduhelm)

Aducanumab, marketed under the brand name Aduhelm, is a monoclonal antibody that targets amyloid plaques in the brain, which are believed to play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Aducanumab was approved by the FDA in June 2021, making it the first new treatment for Alzheimer's in nearly 20 years. Clinical trials have shown that Aducanumab can help reduce the buildup of amyloid plaques and slow down cognitive decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's.

2. Lecanemab (BAN2401)

Lecanemab, also known as BAN2401, is another monoclonal antibody that targets amyloid plaques in the brain. Like Aducanumab, Lecanemab has shown promising results in clinical trials, with some studies suggesting that it may be even more effective at reducing amyloid plaques and improving cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's. Lecanemab is currently undergoing further testing to determine its long-term safety and efficacy.

3. Donanemab

Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody that targets a different protein called tau, which is also implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Clinical trials have shown that Donanemab can help reduce the buildup of tau tangles in the brain and slow down cognitive decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's. Donanemab is currently being evaluated in larger clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

4. ALZ-801

ALZ-801 is a novel small molecule drug that targets the toxic forms of amyloid beta, a protein that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. ALZ-801 has shown promising results in early clinical trials, with some studies suggesting that it may help reduce amyloid plaques and improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's. ALZ-801 is currently undergoing further testing to determine its long-term safety and efficacy.

5. Combination Therapies

Researchers are also exploring the potential benefits of combining different types of treatments for Alzheimer's, such as monoclonal antibodies with small molecule drugs or other therapies. By targeting multiple pathways involved in the development of the disease, combination therapies may offer a more effective approach to treating Alzheimer's and slowing down its progression. Clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these combination therapies.

Overall, the latest breakthrough Alzheimer's treatments offer new hope for patients and their families. While more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects, these treatments represent a significant step forward in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

Latest Breakthrough Alzheimer’s Treatments: What's New and How They Work