Pills that could prevent or slow Alzheimer’s disease are on the horizon, marking a “new era” in the battle against dementia, experts have said. Professor Jeff Cummings of the University of Nevada described the recent approvals of lecanemab and donanemab as a breakthrough, but acknowledged that high costs and complex administration mean they are not yet widely available.
The drugs, which target amyloid plaque in the brain, slow cognitive decline by about 30%. However, they cost around £20,000–£25,000 per patient per year, and additional scans double that figure, preventing NHS availability in the UK. Cummings noted that 127 drugs are currently in trials, including oral forms of semaglutide (Ozempic), with results expected in late 2025.
New developments, such as blood tests for diagnosis and subcutaneous injections, could make treatment more accessible. “Ultimately, we want oral medications,” Cummings said. Meanwhile, experts estimate that 40% of Alzheimer’s cases could be prevented by addressing risk factors like smoking, alcohol, and air pollution.
