Lori Weiss has always had a fear that Alzheimer’s disease would eventually take away her independence and memories. Having witnessed the devastating effects of the disease on her mother, grandfather, several aunts and uncles, and one cousin, her own diagnosis only intensified her concerns. However, thanks to a revolutionary new drug called donanemab, which has been proven to slow the mental decline associated with Alzheimer’s by up to 60%, Weiss, a retired teacher from Oregon, is experiencing a newfound lease on life.
Before starting the drug, Weiss struggled with driving and would often become confused at intersections she once knew by heart. However, since beginning treatment, she has regained her sense of direction and can now drive anywhere with ease. The drug, given through monthly IV infusions, works by binding to toxic build-ups of amyloid plaque in the brain, a well-known indicator of Alzheimer’s disease, prompting immune cells to clear them out. Weiss has expressed her gratitude for the drug, stating that her memory is actually better now than when she first started taking it.
In addition to reclaiming her independence, Weiss has also been able to rediscover her love for reading. Prior to starting donanemab, she struggled to recall what she had read just moments before. Weiss first noticed issues with her memory in 2019 when she had difficulty answering questions from her students and completing work tasks. This eventually led to a diagnosis of cognitive impairment in 2020, followed by the discovery of amyloid protein build-up in her brain in 2022. Participating in a safety trial for donanemab from January 2022 to May 2022, Weiss not only regained hope but also provided reassurance to her sons regarding their own risk of developing Alzheimer’s in the future.
Earlier this week, Eli Lilly, a leading pharmaceutical company, announced that donanemab can reduce disease progression by up to 60%, based on final trial results. However, it’s important to note that like any medical treatment, donanemab is not without risks. Some patients experienced serious side effects, including brain swelling and bleeds, and three deaths have been linked to the medication. Despite these potential dangers, Eli Lilly plans to seek approval to sell the drug in the UK within the next six months, with expectations that it may become available on the NHS by 2025.
While donanemab has been hailed as a game-changer in the search for effective Alzheimer’s treatments, some experts have raised concerns regarding its effectiveness, suggesting that the observed improvements may be misleading. Nonetheless, other scientists believe that these results could transform Alzheimer’s into a manageable condition, similar to asthma or diabetes, and are calling for swift decision-making by UK regulators to ensure patient access.
Currently, Alzheimer’s disease affects around 850,000 people in the UK and 5.8 million Americans. It is the leading cause of dementia, a condition that affects a person’s ability to remember, think, and make decisions, interfering with daily activities. Treating and caring for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia cost Britain £25 billion annually, primarily in social care spending.
In conclusion, donanemab shows promise in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, offering hope to individuals like Lori Weiss who have experienced the devastating impact of the condition. With ongoing research and regulatory processes, there is potential for this drug to become available to a larger population, improving the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Although challenges and risks remain, this breakthrough is an important step on the path to tackling and potentially finding a cure for dementia.
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