New research suggests that anti-amyloid medications could reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by nearly half—offering new hope in the fight against one of the most challenging neurological diseases.
The Amyloid Hypothesis and Drug Development
Despite centuries of medical progress, the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear. However, the leading theory points to the buildup of amyloid beta proteins in the brain, forming toxic “amyloid plaques” that interfere with brain function and trigger cognitive decline.
This theory developed anti-amyloid drugs like aducanumab, lecanemab, and donanemab—antibodies designed to target and remove amyloid beta from the brain. Clinical trials have shown that these medications can reduce plaque accumulation and slow cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients.
Long-Term Study on Gantenerumab Shows Promising Results
Building on earlier research from 2020, scientists extended their investigation into the long-term effects of the anti-amyloid drug gantenerumab. The study, which began in 2012 and concluded in 2020, tracked how prolonged use and higher doses of gantenerumab influenced Alzheimer’s risk.
The study initially faced a challenge: neither the treatment nor the control group showed noticeable Alzheimer’s symptoms, making measuring the drug’s effectiveness difficult. To address this, researchers extended the study and increased gantenerumab dosages—focusing on patients with dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease, a rare form caused by genetic mutations that almost guarantee the onset of Alzheimer’s in young to middle-aged adults.
50% Lower Risk for Long-Term Users
The extended study revealed striking benefits for some participants, particularly those taking gantenerumab for over eight years. This group showed a 50% reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s symptoms compared to those who had not taken the drug.
Researchers also noted that many participants had recently passed the expected age for Alzheimer’s onset—suggesting that the protective effect of gantenerumab could strengthen over time.
A Breakthrough in Alzheimer’s Prevention?
Based on these findings, researchers concluded that long-term use of anti-amyloid drugs like gantenerumab could significantly delay the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms, particularly in genetically high-risk patients.
While more research is needed to confirm these effects in broader populations, the results mark a significant step toward developing effective preventive treatments for Alzheimer’s.
