This message is for all Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s Impact Movement board members, all Alzheimer’s Association staff, and volunteers and supporters of AIM and the Alzheimer’s Association.
An exciting major development about the potential for a new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease was just introduced. Alzheimer’s Association wanted to share the positive results as quickly as possible.
Tonight, initial clinical trial results were announced for a drug called lecanamab which was tested in individuals living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease and mild Alzheimer’s dementia. Results from the clinical trial found that this treatment significantly reduces clinical decline from the disease.
These are the most encouraging results in clinical trials treating the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s to date. These results indicate lecanamab may give people more time at or near their full abilities to participate in daily life, remain independent and make future health care decisions.
More information will be available at the end of November when the data behind these initial results will be public. The organization look forward to learning more at that time about participant safety and representation in the trials. It’s also important to manage the expectations that this treatment is not yet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and is not yet available in doctors’ offices.
This is a major milestone for Alzheimer’s disease treatments. It is a significant gain for people with the disease and their families and it further positions us to advance our mission in new and exciting ways.
The members and supporters of the organization have never been more hopeful, and they hope that the public share their excitement. Even with the success announced today, the organization must redouble efforts to discover new targets and test new and more effective treatments for Alzheimer’s and all other types of dementia.
