A new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has found that the anti-amyloid drug lecanemab may delay the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in people at high risk.

What the Study Found

Researchers tested lecanemab in people with early signs of Alzheimer’s but no dementia symptoms. These individuals had high levels of amyloid in their brains, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s.

The study followed 1,736 participants for about three and a half years. Half received lecanemab through infusions every two weeks. The other half received a placebo.

Results showed that those who took lecanemab were less likely to develop symptoms of dementia during the study period.

By the end of the trial, 7.5% of participants on lecanemab developed dementia. In comparison, 11.2% of those on the placebo did.

Why Amyloid Matters

Amyloid buildup in the brain is one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s. It can begin years before memory loss or confusion.

Lecanemab works by removing amyloid plaques from the brain. The goal is to delay or prevent dementia by starting treatment before symptoms begin.

Key Insights

• The drug appeared more effective the earlier it was given.
• Those who had lower amyloid levels at the start benefited the most.
• The study supports the idea of early screening and treatment in people at risk.

Safety and Side Effects

Lecanemab was linked to some side effects. About 12.6% of people on the drug experienced brain swelling or bleeding, mostly mild.

These effects were more common in people with a certain gene, APOE4, linked to Alzheimer’s.

What This Means

This study is the first to show that an anti-amyloid drug may prevent or delay dementia in people with early signs of Alzheimer’s. It suggests that starting treatment before symptoms appear could make a real difference.

What’s Next

Researchers are now focused on finding better ways to identify people at risk earlier. Blood tests that detect amyloid could help make early treatment more accessible.

Final Thoughts

Lecanemab is not a cure, but it may offer more time without dementia symptoms. This could improve quality of life for patients and their families.

Early diagnosis and treatment may soon become key steps in managing Alzheimer’s risk.

Read full news release here.