阿尔茨海默病从“治标”走向“治本”

Core Insights - The introduction of new drugs, Lecanemab and Donanemab, offers new hope for Alzheimer's disease patients, marking a significant advancement in treatment options [1][3]. Mechanism of Action - Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of toxic waste, such as beta-amyloid proteins, which disrupts memory pathways. Traditional treatments have focused on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying causes [2][3]. - Lecanemab targets soluble beta-amyloid proteins, while Donanemab focuses on insoluble amyloid plaques, indicating different stages of intervention in the disease process [3]. Clinical Application and Challenges - Donanemab has a notable advantage of requiring only one injection per month due to its larger antibody structure, which maintains stable blood concentration [3]. - Despite their potential, both drugs face challenges in clinical application, including high costs and the necessity for clear Alzheimer's diagnosis, which can be expensive and complex [5][6]. - Side effects such as brain edema and microhemorrhage have been reported with Donanemab, affecting a significant percentage of patients [4]. Future Directions - There is a need for breakthroughs in targeting tau protein abnormalities, as they are closely related to the severity of Alzheimer's symptoms. Current drug development targeting tau proteins has faced significant challenges [7][8]. - Ongoing research is exploring various factors influencing Alzheimer's progression, with advancements in early detection methods and potential new treatment approaches, including traditional Chinese medicine and surgical interventions [8].