After succeeding breakthroughs, researchers claimed that they are now in the era of great optimism. Scientists devoted to researching a cure for Alzheimer's disease predicted that the anti-dementia progression drug will be available within a decade.
University College London Professor John Hardy said that the researchers are waiting for the key trials results, which will most likely come out in the next few months. If positive, this will mark as a go signal for scientists to delve in further, harder and faster. Their goal is to release these new therapies by 2025, according to Professor Hardy in a speech made at the Royal Society in London.
One of the challenges of today's existing drugs for dementia is that it only targets the symptoms of the disease. Scientists, on the other hand, are concentrating more in finding a way to stop or slow down the disease progression. The drugs currently undergoing trial fight off amyloid beta proteins that accumulates to form plaque in the brain, which are likely to trigger dementia.
So far, using this method, two drugs, which have undergone major trials, were found to show promising results in slowing the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Based on its published study in 2015, US Eli Lilly's Solanezumab reveals to decrease mental decline advancement by 34 percent. Researchers are still waiting for the results of its final trial. Meanwhile, the second drug is from Bayer.
Experts believe that a 5-year delay from Alzheimer's can reduce its death rate by approximately 50%, which currently accounts for one-third of those between the ages of 65 years old and above. Furthermore, it would allow the patient to live longer independently.
By 2025, the Alzheimer's Society foresees that one million people will develop dementia. Thus, finding a cure is very essential to the aging population.
