Breakthrough: Could this Alzheimer’s treatment help loved ones stay independent longer? Here’s what to know
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
Alzheimer’s is a deeply challenging disease, often bringing families to difficult crossroads as they navigate care decisions for their loved ones.
Many hope for more time—more shared moments, more familiar routines—before full-time care becomes necessary.
Now, new research suggests that a promising class of medications could help people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s maintain their independence for longer.
But while these findings offer hope, they also come with important considerations about safety, effectiveness, and accessibility.
As families face these complex choices, understanding both the potential benefits and risks of these treatments is more important than ever.
Researchers have been studying two medications, lecanemab and donanemab, that are showing potential in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s.
These treatments, known as amyloid immunotherapies, work by reducing the buildup of amyloid—a protein linked to Alzheimer’s—within the brain.
A review of clinical trial data found that people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s who took lecanemab maintained their independence for up to 10 months longer than those who did not.
Donanemab showed similar results, with an estimated eight-month delay in disease progression. These findings go beyond previous estimates, which suggested only a four- to seven-month slowdown.
For families, understanding how these medications might help in daily life is just as important as knowing how they affect the disease itself.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis examined this by looking at the ability to perform daily tasks.
Their study found that people taking lecanemab could continue essential self-care activities—such as dressing, eating, and bathing—on their own for approximately 26 months, compared to 19 months for those taking donanemab.
This extra time maintaining independence could be meaningful for both individuals and their families.
While the potential to extend independence is encouraging, these medications come with challenges. Lecanemab and donanemab treatments currently cost around £60,000 or $75,000 USD per year in private clinics, making them financially out of reach for many.
Additionally, these drugs are not yet covered by the government and healthcare insurance due to cost-effectiveness concerns.
Beyond affordability, side effects are also a key consideration. Approximately 40% of patients taking these treatments experience brain swelling or bleeding.
While most cases are mild, about 1% of patients may face more serious complications, including strokes.
Alzheimer’s remains the leading cause of dementia, affecting memory, cognition, and daily function.
As the number of cases continues to rise, families, caregivers, and the healthcare system all feel the growing impact.
Also read: Is your daily sitting canceling out your exercise efforts? Avoid the hidden risks of too much sitting!
The decision to pursue these treatments is highly personal, requiring families to consider not only medical factors but also financial realities and individual care preferences.
As Professor Sarah Hartz, senior author of the study, explains, “What people want to know is how long they will be able to live independently, not something abstract like the percent change in decline.”
The research into lecanemab and donanemab represents a step forward in Alzheimer’s treatment, offering a potential way to slow its progression and preserve independence for longer.
While these medications are not a cure, they may give individuals and families more time together before more intensive care is needed.
As research continues, staying informed and discussing options with healthcare providers will be important for those considering new treatments. Understanding both the potential benefits and risks can help families make decisions that best align with their needs and priorities.
Related articles:
Experts reveal a lesser-known dementia that's being mistaken for Alzheimer's—are you at risk?
Feeling extra tired lately? Discover the unexpected pre-dementia sign you shouldn’t ignore!
Is your body shape putting you at risk for Alzheimer's? See how you compare to recent study findings!
Has Alzheimer’s affected your family? What do you think about these new treatment options? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your experiences in the comments below. Your insight could help others navigating similar challenges.
Read next: Ryan Seacrest takes a tumble after surprising moment on Wheel of Fortune
Alzheimer’s is a deeply challenging disease, often bringing families to difficult crossroads as they navigate care decisions for their loved ones.
Many hope for more time—more shared moments, more familiar routines—before full-time care becomes necessary.
Now, new research suggests that a promising class of medications could help people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s maintain their independence for longer.
But while these findings offer hope, they also come with important considerations about safety, effectiveness, and accessibility.
As families face these complex choices, understanding both the potential benefits and risks of these treatments is more important than ever.
New Alzheimer’s treatments offer hope for extended independence, but careful consideration of risks and costs is essential. Image Source: Pexels / RDNE Stock project.
The Promise of Lecanemab and Donanemab
Researchers have been studying two medications, lecanemab and donanemab, that are showing potential in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s.
These treatments, known as amyloid immunotherapies, work by reducing the buildup of amyloid—a protein linked to Alzheimer’s—within the brain.
A review of clinical trial data found that people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s who took lecanemab maintained their independence for up to 10 months longer than those who did not.
Donanemab showed similar results, with an estimated eight-month delay in disease progression. These findings go beyond previous estimates, which suggested only a four- to seven-month slowdown.
Understanding the Impact on Daily Life
For families, understanding how these medications might help in daily life is just as important as knowing how they affect the disease itself.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis examined this by looking at the ability to perform daily tasks.
Embracing independence: Every moment matters as she continues to enjoy life's simple joys. Image Source: Pexels / SHVETS production.
Their study found that people taking lecanemab could continue essential self-care activities—such as dressing, eating, and bathing—on their own for approximately 26 months, compared to 19 months for those taking donanemab.
This extra time maintaining independence could be meaningful for both individuals and their families.
Weighing the Benefits and Risks
While the potential to extend independence is encouraging, these medications come with challenges. Lecanemab and donanemab treatments currently cost around £60,000 or $75,000 USD per year in private clinics, making them financially out of reach for many.
Additionally, these drugs are not yet covered by the government and healthcare insurance due to cost-effectiveness concerns.
Lecanemab and Donanemab: Groundbreaking Alzheimer's treatments that show promise in slowing disease progression and extending independent living, Image Source: YouTube / KARE 11.
Beyond affordability, side effects are also a key consideration. Approximately 40% of patients taking these treatments experience brain swelling or bleeding.
While most cases are mild, about 1% of patients may face more serious complications, including strokes.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
Alzheimer’s remains the leading cause of dementia, affecting memory, cognition, and daily function.
As the number of cases continues to rise, families, caregivers, and the healthcare system all feel the growing impact.
Also read: Is your daily sitting canceling out your exercise efforts? Avoid the hidden risks of too much sitting!
The decision to pursue these treatments is highly personal, requiring families to consider not only medical factors but also financial realities and individual care preferences.
As Professor Sarah Hartz, senior author of the study, explains, “What people want to know is how long they will be able to live independently, not something abstract like the percent change in decline.”
A Step Toward New Treatment Options
The research into lecanemab and donanemab represents a step forward in Alzheimer’s treatment, offering a potential way to slow its progression and preserve independence for longer.
While these medications are not a cure, they may give individuals and families more time together before more intensive care is needed.
As research continues, staying informed and discussing options with healthcare providers will be important for those considering new treatments. Understanding both the potential benefits and risks can help families make decisions that best align with their needs and priorities.
Related articles:
Experts reveal a lesser-known dementia that's being mistaken for Alzheimer's—are you at risk?
Feeling extra tired lately? Discover the unexpected pre-dementia sign you shouldn’t ignore!
Is your body shape putting you at risk for Alzheimer's? See how you compare to recent study findings!
Has Alzheimer’s affected your family? What do you think about these new treatment options? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your experiences in the comments below. Your insight could help others navigating similar challenges.
Read next: Ryan Seacrest takes a tumble after surprising moment on Wheel of Fortune
