16 July 2023 , 21:19
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We get calls every day to our support line asking for help on how to make sense of a diagnosis and deal with the seismic shift that conditions like Alzheimer’s disease inevitably bring to everyday life.
For many, taking part in research can be part of the answer.
Being involved in a trial often helps people living with dementia gain a better understanding of their condition and also allows them to have their health monitored more closely.
Not only can trials help the individual, they’re also vital to push research forward. Now we will find out the results from a trial of a potential drug called donanema.
Drug trial results will be revealed tomorrow (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)The early results have been positive – it appeared to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms by 36% and demonstrated a 40% reduction in decline of everyday activities.
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This means that people with Alzheimer’s disease could remain independent for longer.
Another drug, lecanemab, has been predicted to delay the progression to moderate and severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease by two to three years and was approved for use in the US just last week.
So, after 20 years with no new Alzheimer’s drugs in the UK, we now have two potential new drugs in just 12months – and for the first time, drugs that seem to slow the progression of the disease.
The progress we’re seeing with these new treatments is down to people signing up to trials, but we need more people to get involved.
To take part or if you’re worried about yourself or someone you love, visit alzheimers.org.uk
Together, we’ll stop dementia devastating lives.