Today's Article

“It's not a cure. It is not going to be a miracle drug. It is a great first step.”

5Participants in a large 6clinical trial receive the medicine, Donanemab, by 7infusion once a month. The8 drug maker says it slowed 9declinesin patients’ ability to think clearly and perform daily tasks by more than a third. The drug works by removing 10plaque buildups in the brain known as amyloid that are a 11hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

“They only work at the very 12early stages of the disease. So if you have mild to moderate Alzheimer's 13dementia, it's too late.”

That's why 14neurologist Douglas Shari with the Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center says we need to build upon this research, stressing that 15early detection is 16critical. This latest drug is among a new group showing promise. The FDA 17granted 18accelerated approval for another experimental Alzheimer's drug called Lecanumab in January. Robert Egge with the Alzheimer's Association says 19access to these new and 20upcoming drugs needs to improve.

"That's what's the priority right now is to make sure that these important treatments are available. If a patient and their doctor decide it's right for them, they can be sure that Medicare will have them available."

The drugmaker plans to file for 21FDA approval by the end of June.