Experimental drug could help prevent Alzheimer’s in certain population: study

An experimental drug has demonstrated promising results in preventing Alzheimer’s disease in individuals at higher risk of developing the condition, according to a recent study conducted at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The research focused on individuals with rare genetic mutations that significantly increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s in the future.

The clinical trial included 73 participants in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who carried the genetic mutation associated with excessive amyloid production in the brain. Amyloid is a protein that accumulates in the brain and can disrupt cognitive function, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. All participants had either no cognitive decline or only mild symptoms, a family history of Alzheimer’s, and were within 15 years before or 10 years after the expected onset of symptoms.

For 22 participants who received the experimental drug gantenerumab for eight years, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s symptoms was reduced by half, from 100% to 50%. This significant finding suggests that early intervention with anti-amyloid therapies may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and extend healthy years of life for individuals at high risk.

Although gantenerumab was discontinued in 2023 due to unsuccessful clinical trials in patients with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s, researchers are exploring other anti-amyloid drugs, such as remternetug by Eli Lilly, to assess their potential in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. The study’s results offer hope that prevention methods may become available to the general population in the future.

While the findings are promising, experts emphasize the need for further research to validate these early results and determine the full impact of these medications on individuals with late-onset Alzheimer’s. Large-scale randomized trials involving diverse populations are essential to assess the effectiveness of anti-amyloid therapies in preventing Alzheimer’s disease at different stages.

The study was primarily funded by the Alzheimer’s Association, GHR Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Researchers encourage individuals with a family history of Alzheimer’s or amyloid plaques to consider participating in ongoing clinical trials to evaluate the potential of preventive measures for the disease. By continuing to explore new treatment approaches, we move one step closer to the ultimate goal of preventing Alzheimer’s before it manifests.