Aduhelm (Aducanumab) – A Breakthrough Treatment Aiming to Slow the Advance of Alzheimer’s
Aduhelm (Aducanumab), a drug that aims to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, was recently approved by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration). It was given priority review and put on an accelerated channel for approval. This offers new hope for those in the early stages of the disease.
How Does Aduhelm Work?
Aduhelm does not cure Alzheimer’s – the most common form of dementia. The drug is designed to target the proteins that cause plaques in the brain during the beginning stages. It helps slow down the decline and buys some more time before advanced dementia sets in.
This drug is administered via an intravenous infusion, once a month.
Aduhelm, the brand name for Aducanumab, targets the accumulation of amyloid-beta protein in the brain of someone with dementia. Amyloid-beta is a protein commonly found in the brain, but usually as a monomer, or single protein. However, in the case of Alzheimer’s, a buildup of amyloid-beta protein creates plaques in the brain that, over time, leads to cognitive decline.
Though Aduhelm’s potential impacts on the treatment of Alzheimer’s are cause for cautious optimism, there are trials still required to validate these benefits. If trial results do not meet certain standards, the drug can be taken off the market.
In the European Union and Japan, Aduhelm hasn’t yet reached the market. Approval is currently pending while the drug is under review.
Additionally, there can be side-effects from using Aduhelm, that include allergic reactions and ARIA-E (accumulation of fluid in the brain).
What Can Be Done While We Wait for the Cure?
Caring for a person living with symptoms of dementia is a long journey.
With the approval of this new drug, those impacted by dementia are a step closer to a cure.
“Forewarned is forearmed.” There is a lot that can be done, in the meantime, to reduce the risk for dementia and/or delay it from progressing further.
For instance, good nutrition, like consuming foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can boost brain function.
Practicing good sleep hygiene, or making sure that one gets a good night’s rest is another strategy. It allows the body to heal and repair itself while we sleep.
Physical and mental activities including having healthy social interactions are good stress-relievers. All these or a combination of these strategies and many others, can reduce one’s risk for dementia.
A deeper understanding of dementia, particularly, its causes and knowing how to manage dementia-related behaviours can allow those living with dementia to live an optimum quality of life.
