The blood test detects traces of the toxic protein beta amyloid, which builds up in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. The Leqembi drug has been shown to remove amyloid from the brain and Lilly's drug candidate is also based on that principle.

An experimental Alzheimer's drug from drugmaker Eli Lilly helped slow cognitive decline in patients in the early stages of the illness, according to the results of a late-stage clinical trial. Side effects of the drug, called donanemab, however, were serious in some cases, and included brain swelling and brain bleeds.

Lilly Applies for Alzheimer's Drug's US Approval After Trial Success. Eli Lilly & Co. said it applied for full US approval of its Alzheimer's disease drug that's expected to compete with Eisai Co.'s Leqembi as the US drugmaker revealed details of a final-stage trial at a conference in Amsterdam.

In participants with mild cognitive impairment (n=214), donanemab slowed decline by 60% on iADRS and 46% on CDR-SB (for those with mild dementia due to AD, n=534, donanemab slowed decline by 30% on iADRS and 38% on CDR-SB, respectively).

Physicians use diagnostic tools combined with medical history and other information, including neurological exams, cognitive and functional assessments, brain imaging (MRI, CT, PET) and cerebrospinal fluid or blood tests to make an accurate diagnosis.

On November 3, 1906, a clinical psychiatrist and neuroanatomist, Alois Alzheimer, reported “A peculiar severe disease process of the cerebral cortex” to the 37th Meeting of South-West German Psychiatrists in Tubingen, He described a 50-year-old woman whom he had followed from her admission for paranoia, progressive ...

Galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil are cholinesterase inhibitors that are prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer's symptoms. These drugs may help reduce or control some cognitive and behavioral symptoms.

How does Leqembi work? It targets the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and may interfere with memory and thinking. The clinical trials indicate that Leqembi removes the amyloid plaques from the brain and that this, in turn, slows the progression of the disease.

Donanemab treatment resulted in significantly reduced brain amyloid plaque in participants at all time points assessed, with 80% (low/medium tau population) and 76% (combined population) of participants achieving amyloid clearance at 76 weeks.

In a trial that involved 1,795 participants with early-stage, symptomatic Alzheimer's, lecanemab slowed clinical decline by 27% after 18 months of treatment compared with those who received a placebo.

Pharmaceutical companies Eisai and Biogen recently announced data for a phase 3 Alzheimer's disease clinical trial. The results show that lecanemab, an anti-amyloid antibody, slowed the rate of cognitive decline by 27% in an 18-month study involving participants experiencing the early stage of Alzheimer's.

People with dementia can live meaningful and productive lives for many years after an early diagnosis. An early diagnosis helps both the person and caregivers learn about dementia, set realistic expectations and plan for their future together. Download our information sheet on the Benefits of an early diagnosis.