Lecanemab's real-world effects reveal infrequent occurrence of adverse reactions in Alzheimer's patients.
In the realm of dementia, a ruthless menace known as Alzheimer's disease, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of a new medication: lecanemab, or Leqembi. This medicine, approved by the U.S. FDA in 2023, targets those early and frustrating stages of Alzheimer's. Although it doesn't provide a cure, lecanemab can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
But, like all medications, lecanemab isn't without its perils. Side effects, which can range from headaches and dizziness to the more serious amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), are possible. ARIA includes swelling or bleeding in the brain and can be a cause for concern.
In a 2022 clinical trial, only 0.8% of participants experienced ARIA-E (edema/effusion) and 0.7% showed signs of ARIA-H (hemorrhage/hemosiderin deposition). A new study published recently affirms this trend, confirming that significant adverse events, such as ARIA, are rare and manageable in real-world use of lecanemab for individuals with the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists conducting the study, which focused on 234 early-stage Alzheimer's patients, aged approximately 74, discovered that an encouraging 1.8% of participants at the disease's earliest stages experienced ARIA symptoms, a percentage much lower than those with mild Alzheimer's disease. The effects of these symptoms were mostly temporary, disappearing within a few months, and no fatalities were reported.
Lecanemab is an antibody, a type of protein produced by the immune system that targets specific elements. This protein is engineered and administered to patients to tackle certain conditions. In the case of lecanemab, it is designed to address the misfolded proteins known as amyloids which form clumps called plaques in the brain. These misfolded proteins can interfere with brain activity and are suspected to be involved in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Although lecanemab did not reverse or completely halt the memory loss experienced by trial participants, it did result in a 25-30% slower decline in memory and thinking, according to researchers. The medication also prevented or reduced the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain.
While lecanemab offers a modicum of hope to Alzheimer's patients, careful consultation, genetic testing, and ongoing monitoring are essential to weigh its benefits against potential side effects. As the clinical picture evolves, additional research is necessary to better understand the risks of ARIA, identify patients most likely to reap the benefits of lecanemab while minimizing side effects, and provide more informed treatment options.
- The newly approved drug, lecanemab, aims to manage symptoms and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in seniors, particularly in the early stages.
- Lecanemab, a type of protein engineered to target misfolded proteins in the brain known as amyloids, presents a potential therapeutic approach for neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
- In real-world use, significant adverse events such as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) are rare and manageable in individuals with the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease when using lecanemab.
- The study of lecanemab's effects on early-stage Alzheimer's patients revealed that only a small percentage (1.8%) experienced ARIA symptoms, which were mostly temporary and non-fatal.
- Further research is crucial for understanding the risks of ARIA, identifying optimal candidates for lecanemab treatments, and developing more informed health-and-wellness strategies for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions.
