Scientists propose new treatment plan for Alzheimer's disease

Scientists have presented a new stage in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, comparing it to the development of oncology in the 1990s. Research shows that up to 45% of dementia cases can be prevented by controlling 14 risk factors. The drugs donanemab and lecanemab have been approved, moderately slowing the disease in early stages. The number of drugs in development has increased by 40%, but early diagnosis remains a key problem.

Researchers have presented a new stage in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, comparing it to the development of oncology in the 1990s. In recent years, drugs have emerged that can moderately slow the progression of the disease in its early stages. According to a Science Alert report, up to 45% of dementia cases could potentially be prevented or delayed by controlling 14 risk factors, including high blood pressure, depression, low physical activity, smoking, and diabetes. The approval of donanemab and lecanemab marked an important milestone—these are the first fully approved agents shown to slow progression, not just alleviate symptoms. Over the past decade, the number of drugs in development has increased by about 40%, with 158 potential therapies currently being studied in 192 clinical trials. Early diagnosis remains a key challenge: new drugs are most effective in the early stages, but many patients do not undergo screening. Blood tests for biomarkers are considered a promising tool, but their accuracy has yet to be confirmed. By 2050, the number of people with dementia worldwide could reach 139 million.