Alzheimer's Breakthrough: New Drugs Extend Independent Living at Home

Two Alzheimer’s drugs are making headlines for their ability to give patients something truly priceless: more time living independently at home. According to a recent study published in the Alzheimer’s Association journal, these medications, while not without their risks, can significantly prolong the period when individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's can manage on their own. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis focused on lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla), both FDA-approved treatments designed to clear amyloid beta plaques from the brain. The study revealed that lecanemab could extend independent living by an average of 10 months, while donanemab offered an additional eight months. To put that in perspective, patients with mild symptoms might expect to live independently for about 29 months without treatment, but that could stretch to 39 months with lecanemab and 37 months with donanemab. Dr. Sarah Hartz, a professor of psychiatry at WashU Medicine, emphasized that this data helps patients and families understand the real-world impact of these clinical trials. It allows for informed discussions with doctors about how these drugs might prolong independence, both in terms of living alone and managing personal care. Christopher Weber, PhD, from the Alzheimer's Association, highlighted that these findings underscore the importance of early treatment to maximize benefits. Starting treatment sooner rather than later can lead to more months of functional independence. It's great to see that the investment in Alzheimer's research is paying off, leading to better understanding, earlier detection, and more effective treatments. However, Dr. Hartz cautioned that the study participants were highly educated and engaged in Alzheimer's research, so the results may not fully represent the broader population. Dr. Chris Vercammen, a geriatric and palliative care specialist, pointed out that these drugs don't cure Alzheimer's and are only effective in the early stages. He advised patients to have thorough discussions with their doctors about the potential benefits versus the significant risks, including possible brain swelling and bleeding, as well as the financial burden. Eisai, the maker of Leqembi, noted that the FDA approved a less frequent maintenance dosing schedule, potentially making treatment easier for patients and caregivers. Their statement underscores the importance of early and ongoing treatment to slow the disease's progression and help patients maintain their quality of life for longer.