An independent review concludes that new drugs for Alzheimer’s disease can slow the progression of the disease, but the effect is too small to have a significant impact on patients’ lives. The discoveries are generating strong controversy in the scientific community.
An analysis of the concluded that new medicines for – donanemab and lecanemab – they can delay disease progression, but clinical benefit is reduced.
The researchers analyzed 17 studies, involving 20.342 volunteers, and concluded that the effect of the drugs is “far below” what is needed to make a significant difference in the lives of patients with dementia.
How treatments work
After decades of unsuccessful research, two medicines opened a new chapter: Kisunla (donanemab)from Eli Lilly, and the This group (lecanemab)from Biogen and Eisai. They are the first to show effects in reducing the symptoms of the disease.
They act on beta-amyloid, a protein that accumulates between brain cells and is associated with the disease. These drugs are antibodies developed to identify and remove these plaques from the brain.
Risks, costs and limitations
Despite this, medications have relevant limitations. They can provoke Side effects, such as swelling and brain bleeding, require regular administration, every two to four weeks, and are costly.
In the British private sector, an 18-month treatment can cost around £90,000, including medical follow-up, making it unaffordable for the majority of patients.
One of the authors of the review, neurologist Edo Richard from Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlandshe stated, that he would not recommend these treatments to his patients.
“I think you probably won’t benefit from these medications and they are a burden on you and your families. I think it’s extremely important to be honest with our patients about what they can expect. I am always concerned about avoiding creating false hopes.”
The expert argues that other approaches, such as combating brain inflammation, should continue to be explored.
Divided scientific community
However, The conclusions of the review itself are generating controversy among experts. Critics argue that the analysis groups very different medications together, including older, less effective medications, which could skew the results.
Neuroscientist Bart De Strooper, from the UK Institute for Dementia Research at UCL, stated that the review “does not clarify the evidence, but obscures it”, arguing that the latest treatments have “modest but real” benefits.
Richard Oakley, from the Alzheimer’s Society, also highlighted that the results must be interpreted with caution and without devaluing decades of research.
In the UK, medicines are not publicly funded. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has previously rejected them but is reassessing the data, including the impact on carers.
Situation in Portugal
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
A is the most common form of dementia, which results in slow and progressive loss of memory, thinking and the ability to learn. Symptoms include disorientation, personality changes and difficulty making decisions.
In the brain, the disease begins with the accumulation of protein beta-amyloidfollowed by the formation of protein tangles toxic to neurons.
