After 16 very long years without any truly viable Alzheimer’s treatment options, there's some optimism on the horizon, in a stunning reversal on the previously-rejected antibody therapy, aducanumab Alzheimer drug. The most recent research uncovers that high doses of the medication do, in fact, lessen cognitive decline in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
According to Rebecca Edelmayer, director of scientific engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association, “It could be a game-changer for the field. It could be one of the first disease-modifying therapies approved for Alzheimer’s disease.”
Biogen, the maker of aducanumab, has found noticeable benefits for dementia patients in a number of areas: activities of day to day living, memory, language, and orientation. Biogen reported its intentions to obtain regulatory approval within the U.S., with a long range aim of releasing the medication throughout the world.
With a forecasted request for approval from the FDA as soon as early 2020, the medication is slated to possibly become the first treatment method to actually decrease the clinical decline of Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, it will probably open doors to some other treatment options that affect amyloid beta plaques, joining other trials that target the immune system, inflammation, blood vessels, and synaptic cell health. As uncovering the most effective treatments for the disease is a challenging endeavor, it’s probable that an assortment of these strategies will be essential, according to Edelmayer.
The next challenge? Persuading the FDA to approve the treatment after earlier failed trials. If approved, aducanumab will first be provided to those who had enrolled in previous clinical trials, and hopefully, soon accessible to others dealing with the difficulties of Alzheimer’s as well.
When it comes to the almost 6 million senior Americans fighting Alzheimer’s (and that number is likely to more than double in the next three decades), plus the loved ones who care for them, these findings may be life-changing, as there are currently only minimally successful symptom-management medications available. While we look forward to a treatment, we at Midnight Sun Home Care are able to help dementia patients through professional, trained, and experienced caregivers in Alzheimer's Anchorage families trust. Our home caregivers make the most of innovative, therapeutic approaches that focus on each person's unique strengths and making certain each person is living to the fullest.
For additional details on effective dementia care Alaska families trust most to help boost total wellbeing in the comfort of home, get in touch with the Alzheimer's Anchorage care experts at Midnight Sun Home Care at (907) 677-7890 and request an in-home consultation or additional helpful information. To find out which areas we serve in Alaska, please visit our Service Area page.
