Almost everyone is aware of the debilitating form of dementia known as Alzheimer’s disease. Most people probably know someone who is affected by it. Well, fortunately, a new drug that will be able to prevent Alzheimer’s disease is expected to be announced sometime this week.
The New Wonder Drug – How to Prevent Alzheimer’s
There have been trials taking part for the drug known as Solanezumab. This drug appears to prevent Alzheimer’s disease by stopping the degenerative process before it proceeds anymore. It is an antibody that binds to the amyloid plaques in the brain and eliminates them. These amyloid plaques are what causes the disease.
The drug initially showed no positive results, though, at a later time, when researchers looked back over the data, they found that it in fact had a benefit for those with mild symptoms. Solanezumab isn’t the drug to completely eliminate the disease, but it will substantially help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
The Expected User base for this Drug
As it stands, Solanezumab only helps with the symptoms of the disease. It helps nerve cells in the brain to communicate more clearly, but it doesn’t stop the disease altogether. This will essentially change the brain functions of the patients in a way that allows them to have a better cognitive benefit than those who suffer from the disease without any medication.
Those who started the drug at 28 weeks into the disease showed a higher benefit from the drug than those who started it later.
What Needs to be Developed
Since the disease only helps prevent Alzheimer’s and doesn’t get rid of the disease altogether, researchers are trying to figure out how they can eliminate it completely. Currently, the treatments from the drugs will eventually wear off due to the overwhelming damage to the brain from the disease.
Stanford University announced last year that they have found that boosting the immune system will clear away the amyloid plaque, so they have begun work on a drug to do just that. The drug is expected to be announced this Wednesday, July 22nd at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. The announcement of this drug will be a huge leap forward in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease.
