Alzheimer’s drug puts focus on need for early detection
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision to approve aducanumab (Aduhelm™) as the first and only Alzheimer’s disease treatment represents a new era in the fight against this dreaded disease and a victory for families everywhere.
This FDA-approved drug delays cognitive and functional decline due to Alzheimer’s disease, meaning individuals may have more time to actively participate in daily life. Providing more time and new hope is so important to the millions of families impacted by this progressive brain disease that today is fatal because it lacks a cure.
Millions with early Alzheimer’s now have something that does more than just address symptoms. But another significant outcome of this decision is that course-altering treatment is now available to millions of additional Americans who have mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to Alzheimer’s.
Helping more get diagnosed
This historic decision puts an enhanced focus squarely on the critical importance of early detection and early diagnosis of cognitive impairment, through a PET Scan/MRI.
We hope this is an incentive for people to go to the doctor to get diagnosed. Today, most Americans are not diagnosed with Alzheimer’s using PET Scans. But in the clinical trial, aducanumab worked best on individuals whose scans demonstrated evidence in the brain of a buildup of amyloid, a physical hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
Eliminating barriers
Eliminating barriers to the drug and to any diagnostic test needed during the treatment process is the Alzheimer’s Association’s highest priority. Joanne Pike, Dr.P.H., Alzheimer’s Association chief strategy officer, said, “The Alzheimer’s Association will do everything in its power to ensure access to the drug for all who will benefit. We know that infusion therapies have been made available under Medicare and insurance for conditions like cancer and multiple sclerosis, so it is reasonable to expect this for aducanumab.”
In Ohio, we have been working with Health Systems since 2019 and our efforts are focused on providing support that increases early detection and accurate diagnosis.
Ohio can lead in detection and diagnosis because the state is building a
State Plan for Alzheimer’s care. The Association will be working closely with state officials to help them adapt the plan.
Leader in research
The Alzheimer’s Association has played a vital role in every significant development in Alzheimer’s research. The Association provided the initial seed money for the development of amyloid PET scans that made this clinical trial possible.
We know this drug will be of great interest to many, but it is not the only important element of Alzheimer’s treatment and care. The Alzheimer’s Association has made it a priority to partner with various entities to ensure access to treatment and care management.
We will continue to lead this fight until there is a cure. If you want to join us, email me at evanvlymen@alz.org. For families needing care and support, call our helpline at 800272-3900.