Scientists have earnestly delved into a new study to test a drug for individuals who have genetically inherited a type of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease known as “dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease”. Dementia is practically inevitable for this group.
The drug that has generated optimism in many cases has eliminated amyloid plaques by fifty percent. Medical News Today reports that the drug is gantenerumab. It has been known to eliminate the risk of developing the disorder for many people.
Alzheimer’s: The Amyloid Hypothesis
Although there is still a minimal number of drugs that are effective against Alzheimer’s, many scientists hold to the belief that the protein amyloid-beta has a significant effect. In people with inherited Alzheimer’s, tests show that amyloid-beta clumps together and forms plaques that disrupt the brain’s normal functions. Most scientists are firm in their belief that this is the reason for a person’s cognitive decline.
The amyloid hypotheses motivated scientists to create monoclonal antibody therapies targeting and destroying the accumulation of the protein. These therapies are produced in the laboratory and mimic natural antibodies.
The amyloid hypothesis inspired scientists to design monoclonal antibody therapies that target and destroy these protein buildups, including drugs like FDA-approved aducanumab, donanemab, and lecanemab.
Prior research indicates:
- The drugs can prevent the buildup of amyloid-beta and
- Appear to reduce cognitive decline in early Alzheimer’s.
The recent study, the first ever attempt to prevent Alzheimer’s, focuses on amyloid hypothesis involving people who have mutations in genes causing the accumulation of amyloid-beta. These individuals are 100% at risk of developing Alzheimer’s early in adulthood.
The study was conducted 15 years prior to the anticipated onset of their Alzheimer’s disorder and ended in 2020. Researchers found that gantenerumab reduced amyloid-beta levels along with other Alzheimer’s associated markers yet did not find measurable cognitive benefits due to the early testing.
However, participants who took the drug for eight years saw a fifty percent risk reduction in symptoms. In a press release, senior author Dr. Randall Bateman explained that each participant had a one hundred percent risk of developing the disorder. The study will continue for an indefinite time in an effort to have participants continue to be free of symptoms.
Dr. Bateman discussed other aspects of testing diseases that take years to develop. He emphasized that the length of studies should be just as long. Other anti-amyloid drugs are also being tested. Dr. Bateman pointed to the recent revelations in earlier Alzheimer’s research that is under review concerning falsified data
There is also concern about therapies that create abnormal signals in the brain from MRI scans that include microhemorrhages and fluid accumulation.
Alzheimer’s affects the entire family. It represents a challenge to local and federal governments to provide sufficient resources for dementia cases that are continually on the rise.
Source: Medical News Today
