It is an exciting time in dementia research as this first drug – Leqembi (Lecanemab) – against Alzheimer’s disease has just been approved in Europe. It’s a start; the Healthcare Institute has yet to determine whether it will be reimbursed and for whom. “The first approval is an important step forward,” says neurologist Jort Vijverberg of the Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC. “We are now where we were twenty years ago with cancer medication. At that time, the first drugs for certain types of cancer came onto the market. These were not exactly the best medicines, but people quickly learned more and more about them. This has allowed better and better medicines to be developed.”
Vijverberg thinks and hopes that it works the same way when it comes to Alzheimer’s. “Until now we have mainly been able to alleviate complaints, but with medicines like Leqembi we can really intervene in the disease. Research shows that patients deteriorate slightly less quickly – about six months. However, it is not suitable for everyone and is mainly intended for patients in the early stages of the disease. If this medicine shows anything, it is that research pays off. And especially now, scientific research remains important. We hope that in the future we will know more about the disease and that more and better medicines will become available.”
Participants wanted
To conduct good research and gain more knowledge about the disease and the medicines, not only researchers are needed, but also people. “Research is really done together,” explains Marissa Zwan, neuroscientist at the Alzheimer Center Amsterdam. “Via the online platform Hersenonderzoek.nl we are looking for participants for all kinds of research into brain diseases. Unraveling Alzheimer’s disease and developing medicines happen side by side. We cannot wait to develop until we have put all the pieces of the disease puzzle together; it goes hand in hand.”
People with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can contribute to solving the puzzle in various ways. “Once they have registered, they can be invited for appropriate research,” Zwan explains. “It varies from completing a questionnaire or submitting your family tree to physically participating. The latter happens on location, but you can also make a difference on the couch from home. For example, we also benefit a lot from people who indicate what they consider important now that they have received a diagnosis. Everything helps us gain more insight and take steps.”
Shortage of money and hands
The impact of the growing number of patients on healthcare will be enormous, Vijverberg indicates. “We will soon not be able to cope in terms of staff, costs and space to accommodate people, while that is necessary. We want to keep people in their familiar environment for as long as possible, but at a certain point that is no longer possible. That is precisely why we now want to accelerate scientific research.”
There is hope. “We are making progress through scientific research and discovering more and more about Alzheimer’s disease,” Zwan concludes. “And patients in particular can contribute to this by participating in research. All in all, together we can ensure that we can delay the disease in the future or even slow down or stop the disease process.”
What is dementia?
In the Netherlands, about 300,000 people have dementia. Dementia is a collective name for more than fifty brain diseases. Dementia develops slowly and is progressive; someone with dementia continues to deteriorate. Symptoms of dementia include forgetfulness, restlessness and changes in behavior and character. Alzheimer’s disease is the best known and most common form of dementia; As many as 70 percent of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s.
People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease are currently very much needed for various studies in the Netherlands. Anyone who has such a diagnosis can register at Hersenonderzoek.nl/alzheimer. Registration is free of charge and participation is without obligation – even after registration. You will be kept informed of the studies in which you can participate and you will then decide for each study whether you want to participate. Another brain disease or no diagnosis at all? You can also participate in brain research. For more information, see Hersenonderzoek.nl.
The Exciting New Dawn of Alzheimer’s Research: Leqembi and Beyond!
Well, well, well! If it isn’t the first-ever drug approved in Europe to tackle Alzheimer’s disease: ! It’s like the first act of a comedy show where everyone’s waiting for the punchline—except this time, the punchline has the potential to significantly improve our understanding and management of dementia. Not bad for a start, eh?
“,” states neurologist Jort Vijverberg, from the Alzheimer Center in Amsterdam, sounding like a character from an overzealous motivational seminar. He likens this progress to the early days of cancer medication, which, let’s be honest, was about as reassuring as a cat on a hot tin roof—but it led us to better medicines over the decades. If only we could skip to the part where everyone gets better strutting around like they just won the lottery!
Finally, A Real Intervention!
Vijverberg’s enthusiasm is contagious. He believes that with drugs like Leqembi, we can finally do more than just toss a couple of plasters on dementia’s massive wound. “,” he exclaims. Sure, the results show that patients may deteriorate slightly less quickly—about six months, to be exact. It’s like saying your car broke down in the middle of the road but at least you can still use the radio while waiting for the tow truck!
Join the Research Party!
Now, here’s where you come in, folks! The Alzheimer Center isn’t just looking for lab coats and PhDs; they need —yes, you in the back who thinks this doesn’t concern you. Marissa Zwan, a neuroscientist, makes it clear: “Research is really done together.” Sign up online at Hersenonderzoek.nl. You could be the missing piece in this puzzle! And no, you don’t have to wear awkward glasses or sport a lab coat unless that’s your thing.
They’re looking for a variety of ways folks with Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment can contribute. Whether it’s filling out a questionnaire or sharing your family history—don’t worry, they’re not judging your family tree! If your idea of research participation involves lounging on your couch, they’ve got you covered, too! Who knew that contributing to science could be done in your pajamas?
The Grim Reality of Dementia
Oh, and the seriousness of the situation is looming larger than a bad haircut. There are currently around battling dementia in the Netherlands—an ever-expanding line at the coffee shop of life where the coffee’s run out. Vijverberg warns this will place an enormous strain on healthcare: staff shortages, financial constraints, and space issues where we can actually keep these folks comfortable and, let’s face it, sane.
A Glimmer of Hope
But despair not, dear reader! Hope is on the horizon, much like that long-awaited sequel to your favorite movie. “We are making progress through scientific research,” Zwan assures. Your participation could one day mean we can delay, slow down, or even stop this dreadful disease—a claim so bold it’s practically wearing a cape!
What Exactly is Dementia?
For those scratching their heads, dementia is a catch-all for over fifty brain diseases where symptoms manifest in forgetfulness and personality changes. Essentially, it’s like having a broken record stuck in a loop—except the record is your brain and the playlist is a little bleak. Alzheimer’s is the infamous poster child, affecting about of dementia sufferers.
If you’re someone walking on the fine line of MCI or have an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, don’t dilly-dally! Sign up now at Hersenonderzoek.nl/alzheimer. Registration is as free as your dashed hopes over a night out gone wrong. They’ll keep you informed about studies, and you get to decide whether you want to jump in or not—a bit of a buffet-style approach to research participation, if you will!
In conclusion, my marvelous readers, let’s rally together to bust down the formidable door of ignorance surrounding Alzheimer’s disease. Join the research bonanza—because every little bit counts, and who knows? You (yes, ) might just be the key to unlocking the next great breakthrough in dementia research. So, wear your best thinking cap and start brainstorming. Let’s tackle this challenge with humor, together!
