Encouraging results in dementia treatment trials

The most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, is a progressive neurological disorder that affects a person’s memory, thinking and behaviour. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, an estimated 57.4 million people are living with dementia around the world. It is predicted that this number will rise to 152.8 million by 2050.

In the UK alone, around 900,000 people have dementia, and in April 2022, the Office for National Statistics reported dementia and Alzheimer’s as England’s biggest killer.

Whilst various contributing factors lead to the development of Alzheimer’s, the current understanding of the cause is largely put down to the abnormal accumulation of amyloid and tau protein in the brain, which prevent the cognitive brain cells, required for memory and other cognitive functions, from working normally. As the condition progresses, these brain cells eventually die and cannot regenerate.

At the moment, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Finding one is of the utmost importance. So is the need for early diagnosis and a better understanding of the early warning signs of the condition.

This is where organisations like Re:Cognition Health come in. With clinics across the UK and US, the company specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, cognitive impairment and mental health concerns.

As a leader in Alzheimer’s research, Re:Cognition Health is involved in various clinical trials, which bring the healthcare industry ever closer to treatments to slow down or, ideally, halt the progression of the disease and improve its symptoms.

Thanks to a revolutionary new Alzheimer’s medication, the future looks bright. Re:Cognition Health is proudly delivering the clinical trial for Lecanemab. Developed by pharmaceutical companies Eisai and Biogen, Lecanemab is intended to tackle the root of the condition and slow cognitive decline. When taken in the early stages of the disease, it clears the amyloid plaques believed to cause cognitive impairment and dementia in Alzheimer’s, preventing cognitive brain cells from being destroyed.

Re:Cognition Health carried out the UK trial, which spanned 18 months, from its centre at Surrey Research Park in Guildford. A total of 1,795 volunteers in the early stages of Alzheimer’s participated, receiving fortnightly infusions of Lecanemab.

Results demonstrated a 27% reduction in the rate of progressive cognitive decline for those on Lecanemab compared to those on a placebo. This has been hailed a “historic moment” by international Alzheimer’s experts.

Dr Emer MacSweeney, CEO and Consultant Neuroradiologist at Re:Cognition Health, explains, “Alzheimer’s is a complex disease and the search for effective biomarkers and possible treatments has been long, challenging and extremely expensive. The results for Lecanemab herald the “end of the beginning” of this search and forge a pathway for the development of multiple new treatments. There are currently an increasing number of new drugs in international clinical trials for different stages of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Re:Cognition Health’s base at Surrey Research Park has played a fundamental role in delivering not only the clinical trial of Lecanemab, but a wide range of other influential projects focused on cognitive care. The Park is a centre of excellence in health and research, which allows Re:Cognition Health to collaborate with like-minded businesses who share the same values, and its location is highly convenient for patients – easy to get to, with great parking, and close to Royal Surrey Hospital.

A significant milestone for Alzheimer’s treatment has been reached. So, where do we go from here? Clinical trials for Lecanemab will continue so that researchers can understand the effects of taking the drug over a longer period of time.

“As with any progressive neurodegenerative condition, early accurate diagnosis and access to effective treatment is imperative. However, the only chance to access this possibility today is via a clinical trial,” says Dr MacSweeney. “It is crucial that research continues for Alzheimer’s, and Re:Cognition Health is proud to be offering patients the very best opportunities, with cutting-edge clinical trials, as well as providing the very best cognitive solutions through our private services.” https://surrey-research-park.com www.sstl.co.uk

By Daniel Morgan, Managing Partner, Haines Watts Esher