Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia and its recent advancements

Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease dementia, frequently known as Alzeimer’s disease, was first discovered in 1906 by German physician Alois Alzheimer. But despite its discovery over a hundred years ago, modern scientists are still unable to find out what causes Alzheimers. And without the cause, “[we] aren’t sure how to prevent it,” stated Dr. Gomez-Isla, a clinical specialist in Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias.
Though, with the new technologies and data, advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment and research have skyrocketed. In the past several years, scientists have made achievements like never before. This article touches on two incredible advancements, which have both drastically improved the future of treatments in Alzheimer’s. 

What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that deteriorates essential functions of the brain, including memory and thinking skills, over a period of time. While the severity of Alzheimer’s disease can vary, in 2023 it was ranked the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.

Abnormal buildups of proteins such as beta amyloid are the most commonly accepted cause of the start of the disease process. As the proteins clump up together, they create plaques and tangles. This results in a change in how brain cells communicate with each other, leading to many losing connections and ultimately dying. After a large number of neurons die, the brain tissue ends up shrinking, decreasing the number of dendrites. The brain is now unable to relay information back to other systems in the body. Therefore, increasing the symptoms of confusion. The whole process generally begins in the hippocampus, the powerhouse of storing memories.

Lecanemeb
On July 6th of 2023, Eisai and Biogen’s Lecanemab drug was approved by the FDA, sold under the name of Leqembi. Lacenemab is an antibody infused therapy that focuses on the removal of beta-amyloid in the brain. In antibody infused therapy, or monoclonal antibody therapy, antibodies are placed into the bloodstream by an IV (intravenous) infusion. Antibodies are proteins that protect the body from unwanted substances such as bacteria and viruses. When in the bloodstream, the antibodies bind to the antigen, or beta-amyloid in this case, and end up neutralizing or destroying them. 

This process has been seen significantly slowing down the rate of functionality in the early stages of the disease. A trial that involved 1,795 participants with an early-stage Alzheimer's conveyed that “lecanemab slowed clinical decline by 27% after 18 months of treatment compared with those who received a placebo”(Yale Medicine). By the end of the trial, many participants who received the drug had reached normal levels of beta-amyloid. While Lecanemab is not a cure, it notably minimizes the cognitive effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Though, Lecenemab can have some serious side effects. Deadly side effects include brain bleeding and swelling. It is highly advised to speak with a doctor before starting the medications.

Focused Ultrasound Therapy
Formed on the basis of ultrasound energy, Focused Ultrasound Therapy (FUS) is a non-invasive treatment. The focused beams of energy dive deep into the brain, without affecting any tissue surrounding the area. When the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a protective layer of tightly joined cells, temporarily opens, the energy is able to pass through successfully. FUS is essential to the treatment of Alzheimer’s as it not only allows for drugs that may not normally be able to cross the BBB to be delivered, but it also allows for drugs to be delivered directly to the area where beta amyloid plaques are built up.

Since being launched in 2018, Focused Ultrasound Therapy has shown to be a great addition because it decreases the cost of care for Alzheimer’s patients. Because of FUS’s efficiency, usually, a lower drug dosage is needed as well as less frequent administration. This often results in a delay for intensive care.

Actions for the Future
Despite these two advancements, there is still a long way to go in the journey of Alzheimer's Disease research. With more money allocated towards Alzheimer’s research, scientists can achieve more in a shorter amount of time. 

Some next steps include collaborating with international entities for research, focusing on targeting Tau, a protein that damages nerve cells, and investing in genetic-based therapies. 

For the general public, the easiest way to help is by participating in clinical trials. Actively participating in Alzheimer’s Disease clinical studies can help scientists and doctors devise a stronger treatment plan. Whether it's a patient who has already been diagnosed with Alzheimers, or even a healthy individual, clinical trials allow scientists to better understand how the brain changes in Alzheimers.

Works Cited

National Institute on Aging. “What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?” National Institute on Aging, 2 July 2024, www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors/what-causes-alzheimers-disease.

“Advances in Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment and Research | Mass General Brigham.” Massgeneralbrigham.org, 18 Sept. 2024, www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/alzheimers-treatment-research.

Macmillan, Carrie. “Lecanemab, the New Alzheimer’s Treatment: 3 Things to Know.” Yale Medicine, 24 July 2023, 

www.yalemedicine.org/news/lecanemab-leqembi-new-alzheimers-drug.

Alzheimer's Society. “What Is Lecanemab? | Alzheimer’s Society.” Www.alzheimers.org.uk, 14 Dec. 2022, 

www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/what-lecanemab.

“Alzheimer’s Disease.” Focused Ultrasound Foundation, www.fusfoundation.org/diseases-and-conditions/alzheimers-disease/.