2023 has been a pivotal year in Alzheimer’s disease research and treatment.
The FDA’s approval of Leqembi, a drug designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, marked a significant milestone.
However, a study led by Soeren Mattke from USC Dornsife’s Center for Economic and Social Research revealed a concerning trend: over 90% of the 8 million Americans with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) remain undiagnosed.
This underdiagnosis underscores the need for early detection and treatment to improve outcomes for those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Screening and Early Detection: A Crucial Step
Julie Zissimopoulos, co-director of the Aging and Cognition Program at USC Schaeffer Center, emphasizes the importance of cognitive screening in detecting Alzheimer’s at an early stage.
Despite Medicare’s requirement for comprehensive cognitive assessment during annual wellness visits, only a quarter of attendees undergo formal cognitive screening.
This gap in early detection is a significant barrier to combating the impending wave of cognitive disorders.
Balancing Efficacy and Risks: The FDA’s Warning
Leqembi’s approval came with the FDA’s strongest warning label due to potential side effects like brain swelling and bleeding.
Lon Schneider, a professor at USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, notes the need to balance the drug’s small benefits against serious adverse events. The decision to prescribe Leqembi will require careful evaluation of each patient’s condition.
The Role of Pharmacists in Diagnosis and Treatment
Tatyana Gurvich, associate professor at USC Mann School of Pharmacy, stresses the importance of accurate diagnosis, especially since Leqembi is approved only for Alzheimer’s disease.
She highlights the role of pharmacists in reviewing medications that could contribute to cognitive decline or increase the risk of adverse reactions when combined with Leqembi.
A new Medicare proposal aims to provide training for informal caregivers, a move applauded by Donna Benton from USC Leonard Davis. She advocates for home-based training, making it more applicable and feasible for caregivers.
Paul Aisen, director of USC’s Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, believes Alzheimer’s research has reached a turning point with Leqembi.
However, he suggests that a multi-faceted approach, including anti-tau therapies and neuroprotective strategies, may be necessary for more significant benefits in treating symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease.
In summary, 2023 has been a year of significant advancements in Alzheimer’s research and treatment, marked by the approval of Leqembi and a growing awareness of the underdiagnosis of MCI.
The challenges ahead include improving early detection, balancing treatment efficacy with risks, supporting caregivers, and exploring multi-faceted therapeutic strategies to continue the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Dizziness upon standing may be linked to dementia risk and findings of Scientists find the ties between high blood pressure and dementia.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about the cause of weight gain after smoking cessation, and results showing smoking may cause white scars on the brain.
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