Doctors at Duke Health studied a new medicine for early Alzheimer's disease called lecanemab. The drug removes a protein from the brain to slow the disease. Researchers tracked more than 230 patients for over a year to test its safety.
About 80 percent of the patients stayed on the treatment for at least one year. However, some patients stopped because of side effects. Around 24 percent developed brain swelling or bleeding. A special gene made this side effect more likely for some people.
The drug does not cure Alzheimer's or bring back lost memory. However, doctors say that slowing the disease helps patients stay independent for a longer time.
Difficult words
- patient — a person who receives medical care or treatmentpatients
- treatment — medical care given to help a sick person
- side effect — an unwanted result caused by taking medicineside effects
- independent — able to live or do things without help
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why is staying independent important for people with Alzheimer's?
- What should patients consider before taking a medicine with side effects?
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