The new antibody drug with the active ingredient lecanemab has recently been approved in the USA. Doctors still disagree about its effect.
The number of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease is constantly increasing. Around two percent of the population in Europe currently suffers from Alzheimer's disease. According to the German Alzheimer's Society, there are about 700,000 people in Germany. Alzheimer's is a form of dementia. The term dementia covers many different diseases. How Alzheimer's develops is still not fully understood. In addition, the disease, in which the nerve cells in the brain are broken down bit by bit, is still considered incurable. A new drug has now been approved in the United States to slow down the deterioration process in Alzheimer's patients. It is to be launched under the name "Leqembi".
New drug can help against Alzheimer's disease in the early stages
A new drug gives hope to Alzheimer's patients. © ingimage/Imago
The drug makes use of the antibody active ingredient lecanemab. This should be able to change the Alzheimer's disease process and thus delay the deterioration process. Lecanemab dissolves certain deposits in the brain that are currently considered to be a possible cause of Alzheimer's disease.
Don't miss out: You can find everything you need to know about health in the regular newsletter from our partner 24vita.de.
To test the effect of the drug, researchers conducted a study with Alzheimer's patients. All of them suffered from the disease at a very early stage, since only at this time the drug still works. 900 patients received a tablet with the active ingredient lecanemab, another 900 a placebo tablet. Changes caused by the drug are detectable, but scientists doubt whether the patients would personally feel the improvements in the brain. Many researchers now hope that when taken over a long period of time, the results will improve significantly.
Lecanemab drug for Alzheimer's disease: side effects not insignificant
The main problem, however, is that the lecanemab drug can trigger severe side effects such as bleeding and swelling in the brain. For example, in the group that received the drug, strokes and even three deaths were more common. People who take blood thinners permanently are unlikely to take the drug for the time being. In addition, it is not yet clear whether or not an injection every two weeks would be necessary for long-term treatment.
0
Also Read
Lowering blood pressure without pills: Too much wholemeal bread is harmful – university chief physician reveals natural recipe for success
READ
Lowering high blood pressure with magnesium – University chief physician: "A miracle cure of nature"
READ
Cholesterol too high: Six physical symptoms can be warning signs
READ
What helps against aging: Biologist and aging researcher gives five tips that will rejuvenate you by ten years
READ
Mentally fit into old age? Well-known brain researcher gives tips: "Don't be afraid of making mistakes"
READ
Fancy a voyage of discovery?
My Area
In Germany, the Alzheimer's drug could still be on the market in 2023. The manufacturer has already submitted an application to the European Medicines Agency.
This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, individual questions about clinical pictures may not be answered by our editors.