While dementia remains a major health challenge around the world, 2024 has seen some
promising developments in treatment options for various forms of cognitive impairment.
Aducanumab Gains Wider Approval One of the biggest stories this year was the FDA’s decision
to approve the controversial Alzheimer’s drug aducanumab for a wider patient population.

Originally given a limited greenlight in 2021 for early-stage Alzheimer’s patients, the amyloid-
targeting antibody has now been approved for use in mild-to-moderate cases as well.

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found the higher dosage of
aducanumab could significantly slow cognitive decline over 18 months compared to a placebo in
patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. While the drug is not a cure, it
appears to modestly delay worsening symptoms for some Alzheimer’s patients.
“Aducanumab represents an important step, but clearly much more needs to be done to fight this
devastating disease,” said Dr. Maria Carrillo, chief science officer at the Alzheimer’s Association,
in a statement.
Novel Therapies Target Tau, Inflammation Beyond amyloid, researchers are making inroads
targeting other pathologies associated with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Anti-tau therapies
that disrupt the buildup of neurofibrilary tangles showed promise in animal studies this year.
Meanwhile, several drugmakers are pursuing medications that reduce neuroinflammation,
another potential driver of neurodegeneration.
“The future likely lies in combination therapies that synchronize different therapeutic pathways,”
says Dr. Ronald Petersen, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Mayo Clinic.
“We’ve gained a better understanding of how multiple factors interplay to cause dementia.”
While a cure remains elusive, the increasing number of therapeutic approaches brings hope that
2024 and beyond will see major strides in slowing symptom progression for the millions
impacted by cognitive impairment worldwide.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org)