The Journey of Alzheimer's: From Understanding to Hope

Posted on 2024-02-28



What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of neurodegenerative disease, a group of conditions associated with the gradual loss of brain cells. These cells, also known as neurones, can undergo unfavourable processes and become dysfunctional and misfolded, ceasing to function at their full potential. Misfolded proteins are more likely to stick to each other and form a dangerous build-up of defective proteins. This is because changes in their structure exposes their sticky properties, making them more likely to stick to each other and accumulate in the body, a phenomenon known as protein aggregation.

In Alzheimer’s disease, the primary defective proteins are known as amyloid-beta and hyperphosphorylated tau protein. The accumulation of these defective proteins leads to sticky amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. These plaques and tangles deposit in the brain and can obstruct important neurone-to-neurone communication, ultimately leading to neuronal death and structural changes in the brain. The presence of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid-beta is a hallmark characteristic seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

The neurones (brain cells) that are initially affected in Alzheimer’s disease are those important in cognitive functions such as thinking, memory and language. Consequently, individuals with Alzheimer’s often experience dementia, a general term used to describe cognitive impairment and can lead to speech problems, confusion and disorientation. Other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can include: 

  • Changes in mood
  • Difficulty in completing daily tasks
  • Problems with writing
  • Poor judgement
  • Trouble with visuals and spatial awareness
  • Withdrawal from social activities
It is projected that approximately 139 million people will develop dementia by 2050, with the increase primarily linked to the aging global population. Age is closely associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease due to the cumulative effects of biological, genetic, and environmental factors that increase disease susceptibility. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, ongoing research offers hope. The scientific community is actively researching new avenues and exploring potential treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease. 

Can Alzheimer’s disease be diagnosed with a routine blood test?
The gold standard method for diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease relies on invasive procedures such as a PET scan and a lumbar puncture. In fact, only 2% of people being tested for Alzheimer’s disease receive diagnostic tests, highlighting the urgent need to find a quick and reliable diagnostic test. 

A research team studying Alzheimer’s disease has identified a commercially available blood test capable of accurately detecting tau protein (a hallmark protein in Alzheimer’s disease), when compared to gold standard methods. The authors predict that implementing this blood test could reduce the need for invasive procedures by 80%.  

What’s more is that the blood test’s accessibility and ability for detecting different stages of Alzheimer’s disease, including the pre-clinical stage, makes it a valuable tool for early intervention. Early intervention is an advantage, offering the greatest opportunity to slow disease progression and improving the quality of life for patients and their caregivers. Early diagnosis also allows participation in clinical research specifically designed for those in early stages of disease, which is a focus of current research efforts. 

Lecanemab and Donanemab: a turning point in Alzheimer’s treatment?
Two new immunotherapy drugs are demonstrating promise to help those with Alzheimer’s disease.

The first is lecanemab, a protein that targets amyloid-beta at an early stage of fibre formation and clears these from the brain, like a mop cleaning a sticky kitchen floor. Scientists have found encouraging results with lecanemab, showing a reduction in defective protein build-up and slowing cognitive decline in those with Alzheimer’s disease. 

The second is donanemab, which also targets amyloid-beta. It differs from lecanemab as it acts on a later stage of amyloid-beta plaque formation. The scientists behind the development of the drug discovered that clinical decline was slowed by 35%, with nearly half of participants experiencing no clinical progression after one year, when compared to a placebo. This research highlights that donanemab not only alleviates symptoms, but also addresses underlying diseases mechanisms, a feature which is lacking in current Alzheimer’s medications.  

However, there are some drawbacks. Both drugs are associated with adverse events, leading to concerns about their overall benefit versus their risk profile and financial burden. Despite these challengers, ongoing clinical trials are assessing the long-term safety and efficacy of lecanemab and donanemab. A paper named Lecanemab for Alzheimer's disease: tempering hype and hope weighs the pros and cons of lecanemab, emphasizing the current importance of focusing on disease prevention, intervention and care for those with Alzheimer’s disease. 

How can Abbexa help?
Abbexa is proud to offer an extensive range of products to support research into Alzheimer’s disease. Being a dedicated worldwide supplier of biological tools for the life science, pharmaceutical development and biotechnology sectors, Abbexa provides the scientific community with kits and tools designed for use in research.