New Alzheimer’s Drug Trial Brings Hope in Fight Against Memory Loss

TheNevadaGlobeStaff

2 years ago

Categories: 702Times

New Alzheimer’s Drug Trial Brings Hope in Fight Against Memory Loss

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (702 Times, NV Globe) – In Alzheimer’s research, there are noteworthy developments. The FDA has granted expedited clearance to a ground-breaking drug that may help delay the onset of memory loss and other dementia symptoms.

“I would forget a first name or I had a number I was using just 20 minutes ago and then it would pop back and whatever,” Bob Lathrop, a drug trial patient, said.

68-year-old Lathrop is concerned that, given a history of dementia in his family, he may be headed down the same path. He so registered to take part in the lecanemab clinical trials of a potential new medication.

“One of the benefits of the volunteer situation is that I get really, really tested, Lathrop said with a chuckle.

One of the most crucial examinations for the research was passed by him. His brain MRI revealed an amyloid protein buildup, which experts believe may one day lead to aberrant cells that cause Alzheimer’s or dementia. Lecanemab has shown to get rid of amyloid that has built up.

“So the thought is by removing the amyloid protein we can actually delay the progression of the disease,” neurologist Doctor Charles Bernick with the Cleveland Clinic said.

Lecanemab, also known as Ban 2401 in its clinical name, being tested on patients as part of the Ahead Study, which is run by doctor Bernick at the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas. The brand is called Leqembi.

“And then we follow them over the five years with periodic scans of the brain, tests of their memory, so we can really detect if anything’s changing,” Doctor Bernick said. “The hope is that after five years we’d have the answer that treating an individual early before they have symptoms can prevent Alzheimer’s disease/dementia.

Given that there hasn’t been a new drug to treat cognitive decline in more than 20 years, preventing the debilitating brain illness would be a miracle advancement.

“One of the misconceptions is that it takes such a long time for drugs to get on the market because the FDA is so slow. When in fact, the real reason it takes so long for these drugs to get on the market is getting enough people to participate in these studies to see if the drug really works,” Dr. Bernick said.

“I don’t feel anything. And I still don’t know if I’m getting anything or not but I’m helping,” Lathrop said.

Dr. Bernick stated that while he is appreciative to volunteers like Lathrop who give of their time in order to help us all, more participation are required.

You must be a smoke-free, healthy adult between the ages of 55 and 80 if you want to participate in the Cleveland Clinic’s Ahead Study. Participants must not have dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, according to another crucial requirement.

For further details on the study, please follow this link. Call (702) 701-7944 if you prefer.

Credits: 8 News Now