Good Morning Britain Doctor says wonder dementia drug can massively slow disease – Wales Online
A recent breakthrough in the treatment of dementia has been highlighted by a UK doctor, who described a new wonder drug that can significantly slow down the progression of the disease. Dr. Hilary Jones, speaking on Good Morning Britain, discussed the potential impact of Lecanemab in delaying the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. He expressed his excitement at the prospect of the drug being approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), stating that it could potentially delay dementia by up to 27%, offering hope to the countless patients affected by the condition.
Dementia, described by Dr. Hilary as the most feared disease, affects nearly a million people in the UK, with around 182,000 diagnosed cases. The potential approval of Lecanemab could not only benefit patients but also have a positive economic impact, saving the British economy an estimated £14 billion annually by delaying the onset of dementia. The drug, already licensed in the US, is administered via intravenous infusion every couple of weeks, offering a novel approach by targeting the underlying issues causing cognitive decline rather than simply addressing symptoms.
However, the drug faced scrutiny from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which raised concerns about potential side effects such as brain bleeding and swelling. Despite these challenges, NHS England estimates that between 50,000 and 280,000 patients may be eligible for the treatment, pending confirmation of Alzheimer’s through diagnostic scans.
Dr. Jones underlined the significance of the new drug in addressing dementia, emphasising its unique mechanism of action in targeting the protein entangling nerve cells in the brain. By dealing with the root cause of cognitive decline, Lecanemab offers a promising alternative to existing treatments that focus on symptom management.
The potential approval of Lecanemab marks a significant milestone in the fight against dementia, offering hope to patients and their families grappling with the devastating impact of the disease. As ongoing research and advancements continue to reshape treatment options, the medical community remains optimistic about the potential of this wonder drug to transform the landscape of dementia care.
This news brings a ray of hope to those affected by dementia and underscores the importance of continued research and innovation in addressing neurological disorders. With further developments on the horizon, the potential approval of Lecanemab could herald a new era in dementia treatment, offering promising prospects for improved patient outcomes and quality of life.