The TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 study has shown promising results for the drug Donanemab in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild-stage dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. The drug, administered every four weeks, has demonstrated the ability to remove an abnormal protein that accumulates in the brain, leading to less cognitive and functional decline compared to a placebo.

While the benefits of drugs like Donanemab may be modest in absolute terms, they can still hold clinical and personal significance for certain patients. However, it’s crucial to consider and balance these benefits against the potential risks associated with the medication. Some of these risks include infusion reactions and brain abnormalities that can have severe consequences. Additionally, there are costs associated with the medication itself, as well as expenses related to diagnosis and follow-up assessments.

As we move forward, medications like Donanemab are transitioning from clinical trials to real-world applications. This transition necessitates the establishment of systems in primary care clinics that incorporate validated tools for early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Healthcare systems will need to allocate sufficient time for accurate diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment, potentially utilizing remote assessments to streamline the process.

Companies like NeuroCog will play a crucial role in this new era. NeuroCog specializes in developing tools and systems that facilitate the early detection and diagnosis of neurocognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. NeuroCog’s platform supports clinical decision-making by considering individual risks and benefits, thus providing guidance on the safest and most appropriate treatment options. As disease-modifying drugs like Donanemab become more prevalent, partnerships with companies like NeuroCog will be instrumental in transforming the clinical landscape of Alzheimer’s disease.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2807533