Brain Health

Dr. Emer MacSweeney and Tom Dent share about two new breakthough medications for Alzheimer’s.

May 13, 2025

by The Brain and Mind Experts

The New Hope for Alzheimer’s

Dr. Emer MacSweeney, CEO and Medical Director of Re:Cognition Health, and Tom Dent, Executive Chairman of Re:Cognition Health, discuss major advancements in treating cognitive disorders. For over a decade, Re:Cognition Health has led global clinical trials developing a new generation of treatments designed to slow—and ideally halt—the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

With the first of these revolutionary treatments now available on the market, Re:Cognition Health continues to lead, delivering these medications safely to individuals in both the USA and UK.

What is the root cause of Alzheimer’s?

Like many neurodegenerative conditions, Alzheimer’s is likely triggered by neuro-inflammation, which leads to the abnormal accumulation of two destructive proteins: amyloid and tau. These proteins cause progressive damage to brain cells—especially those involved in memory and cognition.

What are the early signs of Alzheimer’s?

Occasional forgetfulness is normal. But Alzheimer’s presents differently, often with symptoms that individuals themselves start to notice. The most common early sign is:

  • Short-term memory loss—forgetting recent conversations or events, repeating oneself, and relying on lists and reminders

Other early indicators include:

  • Difficulty with numbers and calculations
  • Using vague words instead of specific terms, as vocabulary subtly diminishes
  • Struggling with reading comprehension, needing to reread text for clarity
  • Getting lost in familiar places due to visual-spatial issues
  • Subtle problems with planning and problem-solving, particularly with complex tasks
  • Gradual changes in behavior and personality

These signs affect multiple cognitive domains and are not part of normal aging.

What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?

Dementia is an umbrella term describing a set of cognitive symptoms. Saying someone has dementia is like saying they have a fever—it describes the symptom, not the cause.

Dementia involves cognitive impairment in two or more areas—such as memory, language, or spatial awareness—that worsens progressively over at least a year.

It’s distinct from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which has similar but milder symptoms that don’t yet interfere significantly with daily life.

There are many types of dementia—Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia—each with unique underlying causes.

How are new breakthrough drugs like Kisunla™ and Leqembi™ different?

Previous Alzheimer’s medications treated only the symptoms, helping dying brain cells temporarily function. These were like painkillers—offering relief but not a cure.

Now, disease-modifying treatments target the root cause, aiming to slow or halt disease progression.

The two newest medications, now approved in the U.S. and U.K., are:

  • Kisunla™
  • Leqembi™

These are monoclonal antibodies that target toxic amyloid plaques. They work to:

  • Clear amyloid protein buildup
  • Protect healthy brain cells
  • Slow brain cell death and cognitive decline

Over 9,000 doses have been administered at Re:Cognition Health clinics during clinical trials, showing promising results.

While not cures, these drugs mark a pivotal shift in Alzheimer’s care, offering real hope to patients and families.

What to Know About Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are vital for testing and advancing treatments. Unlike standard care, they ensure medications are effective, safe, and representative of real-world patients.

Key facts:

  • Free to join—no cost, with most U.S. trials offering travel/participation reimbursement
  • Strict eligibility—based on cognitive profile and confirmed biomarkers (amyloid/tau)
  • In-depth screening—to ensure the best fit and accuracy
  • Randomized and blinded—participants may receive medication or placebo without knowing which
  • Follow-up and access—most trials offer the real medication after 18 months

“The first person to be cured or protected from Alzheimer’s will likely be part of a clinical trial.” Re:Cognition Health

How can someone learn more?

More details on Alzheimer’s treatments and clinical trials are available at TheBrainandMindExperts.com. Re:Cognition Health supports patients in both the UK and US.

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