For decades, an Alzheimer’s diagnosis meant managing decline. That is changing. Two approved drugs now slow the disease, and they work best when symptoms are still mild.
Our co-founder, CEO, and Neuroradiologist, Dr. Emer MacSweeney, recently joined a podcast to explain why she calls this a new era. The conversation draws on her recent KevinMD article, “Early Alzheimer’s detection is now a treatment decision.”
What you’ll hear in the episode:
- A simple blood test can start the process. Getting answers no longer has to begin with a lengthy, invasive process.
- Clearing amyloid early matters. Dr. MacSweeney explains how removing amyloid protects against the tau protein, which tracks closely with symptoms.
- What the trials showed. The mildest patients had no decline over the first year, and treatment slowed progression from one stage to the next by about half.
- Staying mild keeps doors open. Patients who remain in the mild stage stay eligible for the next medications in the pipeline.
- The cost question. These drugs slow decline rather than cure it. Dr. MacSweeney addresses the cost debate head-on, drawing on the patients she treats, who are fit, active, and often still working.
Her message is clear: for many people, the biggest risk is not getting treated.
If you or a loved one are noticing changes in memory or thinking, Re:Cognition Health can help. Contact us to learn more.
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