ADUCANUMAB, which might at least slow the progression of the disease, won “approval” of the Food and Drug Administration in June, and more hope is now at least possible! But, it is just a start, and there are still miles and miles ahead in the quest for complete “stoppage” of this dreaded debilitator! Plus, the approval was “conditional!”
The “condition” is that the company continue to study to prove that the drug, called ADUHELM (Biogen’s product), will break up “plaques of protein (those associated with Alzheimer’s) inside the brain.”
Do keep in mind that if the above is the case, and the drug works as hoped, scientists believe that the disease will not be reversed or stopped—but SLOWED!
And, another staggering fact is that the cost of this therapy for one year is a monumental fifty-six thousand dollars ($56,000.00), which may or may not be covered by the various “insurances” out there!
Not to completely pour water on this hopeful fire, but one test of this drug showed that folks who used the drug were able to perform better with daily activities and had better memory function. However, a followup test of exactly the same type found fewer positive outcomes!
…..And, maybe six million (6,000,000) patients in America have Alzheimer’s, and not even half (1/2) of them display the type plaque this drug attacks.
…..And, the treatment has to be given intravenously every four (4) weeks, and so far cannot be taken as a pill.
…..And, there are side effects, including swelling of the brain, which does appear to be temporary! However, for pa
However, for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and people whose family backgrounds seem to indicate possible problems for them ahead, this approval brings more hope—and this is always good news!
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