Alzheimer's Drugs Face Scrutiny Amid Treatment Challenges

Recent developments in Alzheimer's research highlight both challenges and hopeful advancements. A systematic review revealed that certain medications, such as antimicrobials and vaccines, may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, while antipsychotics and diabetes drugs could increase it. Meanwhile, the Scottish Medicines Consortium faced criticism for not approving the Alzheimer's drug lecanemab, citing modest clinical benefits and cost concerns, which has been described as a 'heartbreaking setback' for patients. In contrast, Eli Lilly is initiating a clinical trial for the anti-amyloid drug remternetug, targeting individuals at risk for familial Alzheimer's, marking a shift towards early intervention. However, concerns persist regarding the safety of existing treatments, as evidenced by a tragic case where a patient suffered severe complications potentially linked to lecanemab. The overall landscape suggests a pressing need for effective treatment options and better diagnostic practices as the Alzheimer's patient population continues to grow.