Alzheimer’s Research Advancements

Recently in July, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kisunla™ (donanemab-azbt) injection for the treatment of people living with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. This includes mild cognitive impairment and the mild dementia stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Kisunla is administered as an IV infusion once every four weeks

There are now multiple FDA-approved medications for Alzheimer’s Disease which fall under two categories:

1. Drugs that change the disease progression

2. Drugs that may temporarily mitigate some symptoms

Kisunla falls under the first category of a medication that has shown to make changes in the disease progression. Medications that fall under this category work with the underlying biology of the disease and work to slow the decline in memory, thinking, and functioning. Amyloid-targeting approaches is the treatment used to remove beta-amyloid, which is a protein that accumulates into plaques from the brain. Research has shown that these treatments can increase an individual’s ability to live independently and participate in daily life that is experiencing early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.

The second category, drugs that may temporarily mitigate some symptoms, involve medications that address cognitive symptoms (memory and thinking) and noncognitive symptoms (behavioral and psychological).

There continues to be incredible dedication and progress towards understanding Alzheimer’s and how it affects the brain, treatment options, and preventative measures that can be taken. The Alzheimer’s Association is a great resource to find more information about research advancements and material about Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.