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March 24, 2025

Andrew Campbell 

A study published on March 19 in Lancet Neurology suggests that long-term use of amyloid-removing drugs may significantly delay the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms. Researchers examined 73 individuals with rare genetic mutations that almost certainly lead to the disease. Among them, 22 participants who received the treatment for an average of eight years had their risk of developing symptoms reduced by half. Although the study is relatively small, experts consider the findings highly significant.

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease affecting nearly 7 million Americans, with brain changes occurring decades before symptoms appear. Scientists believe amyloid buildup plays a key role, eventually triggering tau proteins that damage neurons and cause cognitive decline. Participants in the study were initially given an experimental amyloid-targeting drug but have now switched to Leqembi, an FDA-approved IV treatment, to further investigate its effectiveness.

Despite promising results, continued research faces uncertainty due to funding delays. Researchers warned that if their grant application is not reviewed in time, funding for the study—ongoing since 2008—could run out, potentially stalling further progress in Alzheimer’s research.