2023-11-03 06:45:01
Leipzig – It is one of the most feared diseases in our modern society. The older we get, the greater the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. At the age of 100, the probability is 50 percent. But now for the first time there is hope of slowing down early forms of the disease.
New therapies are regarding to be approved, according to the Leipzig UKL neurologist Prof. Dr. Dorothee Saur. A milestone for the patients, but also for the doctors who have not been able to help so far. Two drugs are currently being examined for approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). One of these is already on the market in the USA.
UKL neurologist Prof. Dr. Dorothee Saur
Photo: Rico Thumser
Antibodies have been shown to cause amyloid plaques (protein deposits) in the brain, the cause of Alzheimer’s, to disappear. Prof. Saur: “This happens when the administered antibodies stimulate the immune system so that it attacks and disposes of the existing amyloid deposits in the brain, the plaques. This can be easily understood with special PET brain scans – existing deposits disappear almost completely.”
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The medication does not stop the disease, but slows it down by up to 30 percent. But that makes a big difference for those affected. The neurologist: “That might mean additional years of life with fewer restrictions.”
The medication is administered in infusions lasting several hours, regularly at intervals of two to four weeks and over months. The progression is monitored with MRI examinations.
The special MRI for Alzheimer’s diagnostics at the Leipzig University Hospital
Photo: Rico Thumser
When is the right time to start therapy? Recognizing the first signs of Alzheimer’s is difficult. At the beginning, those affected would not notice much of the disease in everyday life and might have very slight cognitive disorders, but these are of no further consequence, says the neurologist.
PET scans, special MRIs or cerebrospinal fluid diagnostics then show that the disease process has already begun. “The effect would be greatest for this group, so we assume that the therapies for early progression will be approved, even if the approval criteria are currently still open,” says Prof. Dr. Dorothee Saur.
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In addition, symptoms such as lack of drive, sleep disorders, mood swings or various physical disorders can also occur. If you notice signs of illness during the test, you should consult a doctor.
Doctors in Germany expect the new medications to be approved in early summer 2024.
How to recognize Alzheimer’s dementia
Are you worried that a loved one’s memory has declined? In the second half of life, forgetfulness can be a part of life. However, if it is more pronounced, it indicates a serious problem. Prof. Dorothee Saur’s test can help you better assess memory and other brain functions.
App users can access the test here
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