Dementia Drug: More Harm Than Help?

A new drug designed to treat Alzheimer's disease is making headlines, but not for the reasons you might think. Lecanemab, approved for private use in the UK, was initially celebrated for potentially slowing the progression of the disease. However, recent data from the U. S. paints a different picture. Instead of giving patients more time, it seems to triple the risk of death within a year compared to those not taking the drug. That's a stark contrast to earlier trials suggesting it could add months to patients' lives. The National Health Service (NHS) spending watchdog, NICE, didn't approve the drug, citing it doesn't offer enough benefits for the cost. Another drug, donanemab, met a similar fate. Both work by targeting a toxic brain protein linked to dementia symptoms. Lecanemab can cost around £20, 000 a year, but recent findings indicate it may increase the risk of deadly brain swelling and bleeding.Experts highlight that around 3, 000 patients have started using lecanemab since it was approved last year. They warn that if a drug's side effects or mortality risks become concerning, it could be removed from the market. Professor Robert Howard, part of the study team, doesn’t mince words: "The idea that lecanemab is a miracle drug is not backed by trial evidence. " He adds, "We should thank NICE for their scrutiny. Patients considering private use should weigh the risks heavily. " The study data, though preliminary, follows a trail of deaths during trials. Swelling in the brain and small bleeds, which sometimes turned life-threatening, affected some trial participants. Three deaths were reported, one involving a participant with a gene that heightens the risk of brain bleeds. Alzheimer's is the leading cause of dementia, causing anxiety, confusion, and memory loss. Before rushing to any conclusions based on the new study, it's crucial to remember that the findings haven’t been peer-reviewed yet.