Medical experts applauded the results of a study, which followed an experimental Alzheimer’s drug called Lecanemab.
The phase 3 study lasted 18 months, and it included nearly 1,800 participants with early-stage Alzheimer’s. According to the results, the drug slowed cognitive decline in some patients, which some experts said was amazing. This trial was the first to show clear and positive results because the drug lowered amyloid plaque amounts. These proteins play a key role in Alzheimer’s disease.
However, the drug may carry a risk of serious side effects. Nearly 13% of patients in the trial experienced a dangerous type of brain swelling, and some also experienced bleeding in the brain. These side effects are serious, but experts suggest that they do not frequently occur, and they MRI scans can monitor them.