Breakthrough drug for Alzheimer’s disease approved in the US
Published: 20/06/2021
A new drug for Alzheimer’s disease has been approved in the United States and could be available in the UK from as early as next year.
Aducanumab is the first new drug to get approval in the US for more than 20 years. It has shown to benefit some people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, by helping to prevent the build-up of the amaloid protein that causes cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s Homecare in Mid Cheshire | Right at Home (rightathomeuk.co.uk)
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, given the right care & support, people can live well with dementia in the familiar surroundings of their own home.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease progress over time, often slowly over several years. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include confusion, difficulty making decisions, problems with speech and on occasions personality changes. The part of the brain affected as a result of dementia depends on which type of dementia you have.
While not everyone who took part in the clinical trials for Aducanumab saw positive results, those who did found they were better able to travel independently, perform household chores, and manage their finances.
If Aducanumab is approved by the UK and European regulatory authorities, it will likely only be available to people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
However, given the lack of treatments available for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, the news is a significant stepping stone and could support the development of other anti-amyloid drugs.
Dr Richard Oakley, the Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Society, a national charity raising vital funds for dementia research and support for people living with a form of dementia, said: “This is just the beginning of the road to new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. As this drug will only benefit a proportion of people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, there are hundreds of thousands more who may not be eligible. We must keep searching for drugs for all stages of Alzheimer’s disease and for other types of dementia.”
Aducanumab is now going to be tracked by scientists in the US, in a further trial to monitor its impact. To be granted approval in the UK, the drug will have to be scrutinised by a number of agencies, who may demand further trials to assess its benefits. We can expect to hear the outcome from the European Medicines Agency from October this year, with a UK result following in 2022.
Alzheimer’s Society has produced a short film about the announcement, featuring Dr Richard Oakley, which you can watch here. You can also read more on Alzheimer’s Society’s research blog.
As a provider of quality Alzheimer’s homecare and dementia care at home services, we support the vital work of Alzheimer’s Society. Managing Director, Janet Bennett, is a Dementia Champion which means she has received specific training to deliver Dementia awareness sessions in the local community. Our team have taken part in a number of activities to raise funds and support Alzheimer’s Society, plus Right at Home Mid Cheshire is proud to be part of a franchise who have collectively raised £50,000 for Alzheimer’s Society since our charity partnership launched in April 2019.
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it can be a very daunting time for the whole family. The Dementia Support Programme gives families access to specialist care and support techniques, to help manage common symptoms of dementia, focusing on four core lifestyle factors: awareness, wellness, socialisation, and nutrition and hydration. It involves a very person-centred assessment, to ensure the principles and techniques of care are applied at a level that is appropriate to the Client’s stage of dementia.
Dementia homecare has never been more important, given the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the support available to those living with dementia. Many local services and support networks have been removed and for many families, it has proven difficult to secure a formal diagnosis.
Right at Home Mid Cheshire provide valuable Alzheimer’s care services and Dementia help at home in the Northwich area including many rural villages.
Do you provide dementia homecare for a loved one? If you would like to know more about how Right at Home Mid Cheshire can provide dementia home help to support you and your family, please call us on 01606 537400.
