New Alzheimer's Drugs Extend Independent Living, Study Shows

The FDA has recently approved two Alzheimer’s therapies, lecanemab and donanemab, which have shown promise in slowing disease progression by clearing amyloid plaques from the brain. However, many patients struggle to understand the clinical trial results and their implications for daily life. Researchers at Washington University have developed a method to communicate the benefits of these drugs in terms of additional months of independent living, helping patients make informed decisions. With around 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and projections suggesting this could double by 2060, there is an urgent need for effective treatments. Additionally, ongoing research is exploring the repurposing of existing medications to help reduce dementia risk, highlighting the potential to optimize current therapies. These combined efforts underscore a critical moment in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, balancing new drug approvals with the need for accessible patient information and innovative treatment strategies.