Alternative strategy for managing Alzheimer's symptoms in patients uncovered
The University Hospital Freiburg has introduced a groundbreaking new treatment for Alzheimer's disease, using the medication Lecanemab. This therapy, which does not require a hospital stay, is aimed at patients diagnosed with the first symptoms of the disease.
Lecanemab targets specific protein deposits in the brain, known as amyloid plaques, which are believed to trigger the disease process that leads to a decline in mental performance. The therapy is the first to directly address the cause of Alzheimer's disease.
The treatment is administered as an infusion therapy, every two weeks over a period of one and a half years. Studies show that Lecanemab can delay the loss of cognitive abilities by an average of six months.
It is crucial to note that this therapy requires accurate diagnosis using modern imaging and biomarker analysis. More than 1.8 million people in Germany are living with dementia, and about two-thirds of these individuals have Alzheimer's disease.
The therapy for Alzheimer's disease using Lecanemab is specifically used for patients with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. However, it does not replace existing treatment approaches but complements them, with cognitive training, social accompaniment, and physical activity remaining central components of any Alzheimer's therapy.
Regular check-ups take place during the therapy to monitor for possible side effects such as local inflammation, small bleeds, and brain changes. Modern imaging can detect the occurrence of side effects at an early stage.
Further studies are planned to investigate the long-term effects of the therapy. In Germany, the price negotiations for the Lecanemab treatment for Alzheimer's patients with late symptoms are currently conducted between the pharmaceutical company and the leading associations of the health insurance funds (Spitzenverbände der Krankenkassen). The statutory health insurance association (GKV-Spitzenverband) is involved in these negotiations.
Lecanemab was approved in Europe at the end of 2024 and is now available nationwide. This new therapy offers hope for those affected by Alzheimer's disease and their families, providing a potential means to slow the progression of the disease in its early stages.
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