NEW YORK – Scientists are testing an experimental anti-amyloid drug to delay Alzheimer’s symptoms in individuals with a genetic predisposition to the disease.
Jake Heinrichs, a New Yorker, has been receiving this treatment for over ten years as part of research at Washington University in St. Louis.
The drug has shown promise in postponing symptoms in people genetically prone to developing Alzheimer’s in their 40s or 50s.
Research published in Lancet Neurology shows that participants who took amyloid-removing medication for an average of eight years experienced a significant reduction in the risk of symptoms.
Heinrichs, 50, has not developed Alzheimer’s symptoms, despite inheriting the gene linked to the disease, which affected his father and brother.
Dr. Randall Bateman, lead investigator of the study, oversees the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network, which includes families with rare genetic mutations that increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s at early ages. The research focuses on participants who have received the longest treatment.
Participants are now using Leqembi, an approved intravenous drug in the U.S., to test the durability of the treatment’s effects.
Dr. Bateman seeks funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to continue the research, but budget constraints and restructuring have delayed the process.
There are concerns among scientists, including Northwestern University’s David Gate, about maintaining funding for various Alzheimer’s research areas.
The NIH has expanded its focus, considering other factors like inflammation, immune cell function, and viral influences. Despite differing views on amyloid’s role, the study suggests it is still a critical focus.
Heinrichs and others worry about the impact of funding delays on their access to treatment. His wife, Rachel Chavkin, stresses the study’s importance for extending his life, while also expressing concerns about losing access to treatment if NIH funding is not secured.
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, nominated to head the NIH, supports exploring diverse research approaches but acknowledges that shifting priorities could affect ongoing studies like Bateman’s.
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that nearly seven million Americans are affected by the disease, mainly older adults.
Researchers are investigating how amyloid-targeting drugs might delay symptom onset. If amyloid buildup can be controlled, it could slow the disease’s progression.
