Experimental treatment may delay Alzheimer's symptoms in participants

Researchers have found early signs that a new treatment may delay Alzheimer’s symptoms for some individuals who are genetically predisposed to the disease. This comes amid funding delays from the Trump administration that threaten ongoing research. One participant, Jake Heinrichs, has been in the study for over a decade. Despite having a gene that usually leads to early Alzheimer's, he remains symptom-free. His wife, Rachel Chavkin, expressed worry about the funding delays, saying it feels like their lifeline is at risk. Currently, there are two drugs that can modestly slow the progress of early-stage Alzheimer’s by removing amyloid, a sticky substance found in the brains of patients. However, this new research indicates that removing amyloid much earlier may help postpone the onset of symptoms. The study involved families with rare Alzheimer’s-causing gene mutations, allowing researchers to effectively measure how the treatment is working. The findings suggest that those receiving amyloid-removing drugs for an average of eight years had their risk of developing symptoms cut in half. Participants are now switching to Leqembi, a recently approved treatment, to further evaluate its effectiveness over the next five years. Dr. Randall Bateman, who leads the research, is seeking further funding but faces delays in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) approval process. Researchers are concerned about a shift in focus away from amyloid research, coinciding with comments from Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who has been nominated to lead the NIH. It emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding funding for Alzheimer’s research at a time when understanding the disease is crucial. With nearly 7 million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s, the urgency for continued research is clear. Some scientists, while acknowledging the role of amyloid, are exploring other factors contributing to the disease, including inflammation and viral influences. Participants in the study remain hopeful, with some expressing a desire for more political support for continued research funding. They argue that the stakes are high, with many facing the potential onset of a devastating illness.