Research Advances in Alzheimer's Disease Treatment

<figure> <img alt="A scan of the brain of a patient affected by Alzheimer's disease." src="https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/gettyimages-151032859.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> A scan of the brain of a patient affected by Alzheimer's disease. | BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Research into Alzheimer’s disease has historically progressed slowly, with over <a href="https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures">7 million Americans</a> currently living with the condition, which is the leading cause of dementia. The disease remains incurable, and treatment advancements have faced challenges, including issues related to research integrity.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Recent developments indicate progress in the field, highlighted by the introduction of <a href="https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/501710/alzheimers-disease-dementia-test-treatment-medication-infusion">two new drugs</a> in recent years that directly target Alzheimer’s.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Dylan Scott, a senior correspondent at Vox, stated in an interview that these drugs “will hopefully have some effect in slowing down their cognitive decline” for patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Scott noted that the drug development pipeline is becoming more promising, with some experts describing it as “revolutionary.” The conversation also covered the potential of GLP-1 drugs in preventing Alzheimer’s and an experimental surgery in China that has shown unverified improvements in patients.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>What are the two treatments currently available?</strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The two FDA-approved drugs are lecanemab and donanemab, which target amyloid plaques in the brain, a key focus of Alzheimer’s research. The amyloid hypothesis, which suggests that the disease is caused by the accumulation of amyloid proteins, has faced scrutiny due to a lack of significant progress over the years. However, clinical trials indicate that these drugs can reduce amyloid plaques and may slow cognitive decline.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Scott expressed hope that these drugs represent the beginning of a more effective treatment landscape for Alzheimer’s.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>“The hope is that five, 10 years from now, we’ve got a much more robust suite of treatments that can help somebody who’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.”</p></blockquote></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>What other research is being conducted?</strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While the amyloid hypothesis remains relevant, research is expanding to include other factors such as tau proteins and chronic inflammation. Scott mentioned that treatments targeting tau proteins are currently in early clinical trials, focusing on safety and initial efficacy.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">There is also interest in GLP-1 drugs, which are used for other medical conditions and may have potential benefits for Alzheimer’s patients. The Alzheimer’s Association is investing $100 million in research to explore this connection.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Is reversing Alzheimer’s a possibility?</strong></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">While reversing Alzheimer’s is not currently feasible, some researchers believe it may be possible in the future. There have been reports of an experimental surgery in China that claims to improve Alzheimer’s symptoms, although the validity of these claims is still under investigation. The surgeon behind the procedure has faced legal issues in China, complicating further research.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Scott emphasized the significance of restoring identity for patients with Alzheimer’s, stating that the ultimate goal of research is to find ways to reverse the disease's effects.</p>