Advances and Challenges in the Fight Against Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease remains one of the most challenging neurological conditions, responsible for approximately 70% of dementia cases worldwide and ranking as a leading cause of death among older adults. Despite decades of research efforts, finding effective treatments has proven difficult, though recent developments offer cautious optimism.

In 2025, two new drugs—Eli Lilly's donanemab and the combination therapy of Biogen and Eisai's lecanemab—have shown the ability to modestly slow the progression of the disease when administered at early stages. These medications represent a breakthrough, as they are the first treatments with proven efficacy in decelerating Alzheimer's progression. However, their high cost and potential serious side effects, such as brain hemorrhages, have sparked ongoing debates about their overall benefit versus risk and their approval across different nations.

Regulatory stances vary: while lecanemab, known commercially as Leqembi, has received approval in countries including the United States, others like France and the UK have expressed reservations about reimbursement and cost-effectiveness, citing limited benefits relative to their prices.

Another crucial area of research involves early diagnosis. Traditionally, diagnosing Alzheimer's required invasive and costly procedures like lumbar punctures. Recently, a less invasive blood test detecting biological markers linked to Alzheimer's has been developed and authorized in the US. However, in Europe, this blood test remains under review, and most specialists emphasize that a comprehensive clinical assessment remains essential for accurate diagnosis. This divergence underscores the ongoing debate about whether biomarkers alone can suffice for diagnosis, which could influence the timing and effectiveness of treatments.

Prevention remains a critical focus, with evidence indicating that nearly half of all dementia cases could be linked to modifiable risk factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and hearing loss. While lifestyle interventions promoting healthier eating and exercise are under investigation, results so far have been limited. Nonetheless, recent studies suggest that maintaining a healthier lifestyle might slow cognitive decline, especially when supported by sustained, long-term efforts.

Despite the many hurdles, ongoing research provides hope that with continued scientific advances and preventive strategies, the burden of Alzheimer's disease may be alleviated in the future. However, understanding and overcoming its complex pathology remains a significant challenge for scientists around the world.