A groundbreaking new drug promises to slow Alzheimer’s by a third, but early detection is still key. Here’s what to look out for
Finally – after many false dawns – an effective new drug for Alzheimer’s is on the horizon. In early May, US scientists announced that the drug donanemab delays the worsening of symptoms by 35 per cent. Half the patients on the trial found their mental decline was halted for more than a year.
The Alzheimer’s Society went as far as describing the results as: “the beginning of the end for Alzheimer’s disease”.
There a still few hurdles to jump before donanemab becomes available in the UK. But even when it does arrive, scientists insist that early diagnosis – by watching out for subtle symptoms – is still key.
It’s well known that memory loss and confusion are a sign of dementia. But scientists are discovering that other subtle – and perhaps surprising – signs can herald the onset of the disease.