Alzheimer’s disease has touched the lives of millions. According to the World Health Organization, tens of millions of people worldwide have Alzheimer’s disease, accounting for 60% to 70% of the total number of people living with dementia globally. However, when early, pre-symptomatic stages such as prodromal and preclinical phases are included, estimates indicate that 400 million people around the globe are affected by brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s, according to the National Institutes of Health.  

Expanding medications and clinical trials

For decades, medical interventions for Alzheimer’s were limited to symptom management. Today, the treatment landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. Therapeutic strategies now directly target the disease’s biological drivers, supported by expanded drug offerings, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that analysis of global clinical trials indicates positive results from a growing body of medications. There are now 158 novel agents under evaluation in 192 clinical trials. While amyloid-targeting drugs once accounted for 33% of clinical studies, that share has fallen to 20% as therapies targeting neuroinflammation and tau protein tangles have increased. The Alzheimer’s Association also reports that approximately 35% of drugs currently in development are repurposed therapies previously approved for other conditions. This helps accelerate the path to clinical availability.

Earlier diagnoses

Disease-modifying medications are most effective when administered early, which makes early detection of Alzheimer’s disease critical. The Alzheimer’s Impact Movement says that high-accuracy blood tests in primary care can enable clinicians to screen for amyloid pathology with a simple blood draw.

Targeting genes

NIH-supported researchers are exploring gene therapy approaches to reduce early amyloid accumulation and quiet brain inflammation. These include delivering protective APOE-e2 gene variants.

GLP-1s, shingles vaccines, and promising findings

Observational and real-world studies, according to the Cleveland Clinic, show that taking GLP-1 medications for type 2 diabetes or obesity is associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. Similarly, major published studies show that adults over age 65 who receive the two-dose shingles vaccine have a significantly reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia compared to unvaccinated individuals. Both of these treatments can reduce brain inflammation associated with dementia development.

Lifestyle changes

Medications and other therapies are just the tip of the iceberg. Non-pharmacological interventions are also effective at reducing the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease. Findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association show that targeted exercise, dietary changes, and cognitive training significantly preserve brain function. This can yield memory performance equivalent to being one or two years younger.  

Alzheimer’s disease research continues, and various developments in prevention and treatment are moving beyond symptom management.