Nearly seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By the year 2050, the Alzheimer’s Association projects that the number will increase to nearly 13 million. It continues to be a leading cause of death among people aged 65 and older and long-term living costs are expected to reach nearly $1 trillion in 2050. Though these facts seem somber, researchers, doctors and scientists never stop working around the clock to uncover new treatment methods, possible genetic links and medications that could change the way the disease is approached in the United States, and potentially worldwide.

A Brief History

Dating back to the early 1900s doctors have been closely studying Alzheimer’s disease and gaining a better understanding of how it impacts patients’ brains. But it wasn’t until the 1970s when modern research began, shortly after the National Institute of Aging was founded. By 1976, it was identified as the most common cause of dementia and a major public health concern. This led to the founding of the Alzheimer’s Association in the 1980s, and later, the declaration of National Alzheimer’s Disease Month, which we celebrate every November.

Research for Alzheimer’s disease progressed throughout the decade, then, new treatments finally emerged in the 1990s. That was also when awareness became prominent with the announcement of President Ronald Reagan’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Today, various drugs have gone through FDA approval, care has changed, and new treatments are available for those who suffer from the disease. As awareness of the disease has increased, new milestones have been made to improve the lives of those with the disease and their loved ones.

5 Milestones Made in Alzheimer’s Research

 

Approval for New Treatments

Recently, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has made great strides in accelerating approval for new treatments that target fundamental parts of Alzheimer’s disease. The drug, Leqembi was approved in 2023 using the Accelerated Approval pathway, which approves drugs for serious conditions where medical needs are often left unmet, according to the FDA. After numerous trials, Leqembi was shown to reduce a certain plaque in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease in patients in the mild or early stages.

This paved the way for other drugs such as Kisunla, produced by Eli Lilly, and Donanemab to be approved, which has been shown slow the progression of the disease.

Targeting Plaques

Scientists have been able to link certain protein groups and their behaviors and how they contribute to the development of dementias. This has created a better understanding of how the disease works on a biological level. Amyloid and tau protein are the two major proteins examined in the diagnosis process of the disease. Research has found amyloid plaques to be a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. These build up in the brain, blocking neural pathways and causing inflammation. Tau proteins become “tangled” and as the body tries to break them down, they are expelled into the blood causing dementia.

New Diagnostic Tools

Researchers have discovered new tools based on the above findings that can help catch the disease in patients before it progresses to later stages.  One such diagnostic tool is the use of blood-based biomarker tests, currently available in the U.S. It’s a more affordable, less invasive way for patients and it also targets the presence of amyloid or tau proteins in the blood.

Lifestyle Links

Doctors have been able to link certain lifestyle patterns, and the risk associated with developing Alzheimer’s disease. This can help provide the opportunity for early intervention and lifestyle changes to lower the risk at any point in life. Some factors that scientists have linked to Alzheimer’s disease include smoking, lack of physical activity, poor diet, high alcohol consumption and lack of mental stimulation.

Awareness of Stigmas

Stigmas surrounding Alzheimer’s disease can significantly impact a patient’s diagnosis process, treatment and overall quality of life. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the stigma surrounding the disease exists, in part, due to the lack of public awareness and understanding of the disease. This can cause people to not seek medical treatment when symptoms are present. Through higher awareness and understanding of the disease, we can continue to support funding, treatment and clinical trials to push for more milestones in Alzheimer’s research.

 

Developments in Alzheimer’s research have made great progress in the last 40 years. Doctors and scientists continue to find new ways to diagnose and treat the disease so patients and their families can live the lives they deserve.

Loretto is continuously doing its part in spreading awareness and supporting clinical research for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. You can find out more here.

 

Sources:

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-grants-accelerated-approval-alzheimers-disease-treatment

https://www.alz.org/help-support/i-have-alz/overcoming-stigma

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-symptoms-and-diagnosis/how-biomarkers-help-diagnose-dementia

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease