New Alzheimer's Drug Shows Promise in UK Trial, NHS Rollout Uncertain

Larry Woelk, a 77-year-old resident of east Hampshire, has been participating in a trial for lecanemab, a newly approved Alzheimer's treatment, since 2020. The drug, developed by Eisai and marketed as Leqembi, has recently gained regulatory approval in the UK. However, its rollout through the National Health Service (NHS) in England has been rejected due to cost concerns.

Lecanemab is an antibody treatment designed to target amyloid, a protein that accumulates in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. This buildup of amyloid plaques was first observed by Alois Alzheimer in 1906, marking the initial description of the disease that now bears his name. The drug aims to clear these protein deposits and slow cognitive decline.

Woelk began experiencing memory issues in 2016, approximately 8 years ago. After initially passing a memory test, an MRI scan in 2018 confirmed he had mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that can increase the risk of developing dementia. It's worth noting that brain changes associated with Alzheimer's may begin up to 20 years before symptoms become apparent.

Since joining the lecanemab trial, Woelk has been receiving the drug through intravenous infusions every two weeks at the Memory Assessment and Research Centre in Southampton. He reports that his symptoms have "plateaued" since starting the treatment, with memory assessments remaining stable. This stability has allowed him to maintain his quality of life, including driving, cycling, and socializing.

Woelk's wife, Rita, has observed only gradual and subtle declines in her husband's condition. The couple's experience with dementia extends to their families, with Woelk's mother and aunt having passed away from Alzheimer's, and Rita's sister currently living with the disease.

While Woelk's case shows promise, it's important to note that Alzheimer's affects individuals differently. The disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases, and its global impact is substantial. As of 2018, the worldwide cost of dementia was estimated at $1 trillion, with over 50 million people living with the condition.

The approval of lecanemab in the UK represents a significant step forward in Alzheimer's treatment. However, its rejection for NHS rollout due to cost concerns highlights the ongoing challenges in making innovative treatments widely accessible. The Woelks hope that the availability of a treatment proven to slow disease progression will encourage individuals to seek early diagnosis and intervention.

Early diagnosis is crucial, as the risk of developing Alzheimer's doubles every 5 years after age 65. Additionally, lifestyle factors may play a role in disease prevention or delay. Regular physical exercise, for instance, may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by up to 50%, while multilingualism could potentially delay symptom onset by 4-5 years.

As research continues and new treatments emerge, the fight against Alzheimer's disease remains a priority in the medical community. The experiences of individuals like Larry Woelk provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of novel therapies, offering hope to millions affected by this challenging condition.

"We feel very fortunate, but we know our situation is not the case for everyone who has Alzheimer's. We hope that now there is a treatment that is proven to slow down this disease, it will bring Alzheimer's out of the shadows and encourage people when they first notice a problem to seek help and get a diagnosis."