The Cure for Alzheimer’s Disease is Closer

·33 min·3 clips

Dr. Butson envisions a future where a blood test at age 60 could lead to a functional cure for Alzheimer's disease.

The episode begins with host Frank Sampson introducing Dr. Andrew Butson, a neurologist at VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University. Dr. Butson expresses excitement about the first treatment in over 25 years that can significantly slow Alzheimer's disease. He describes Lecanemab, an antibody that targets amyloid plaques in the brain, and notes it is FDA-approved. Dr. Butson shares that his VA clinic is infusing 12 patients with this treatment, making it one of the few centers doing so. He explains that Lecanemab can slow disease progression so that patients are three to four months better off every 18 months compared to without treatment. Dr. Butson then outlines a future vision where screening via blood tests at age 60 could detect amyloid plaques early, before symptoms develop. He suggests that early treatment could remove plaques before brain damage occurs, effectively curing Alzheimer's for most people. The host asks about screening methods, and Dr. Butson mentions current use of amyloid PET scans and spinal taps, with blood tests expected in about two years. Dr. Butson clarifies that his age-60 suggestion is his opinion, not an FDA guideline, based on the 10-15 year progression of plaques. He notes an ongoing clinical trial testing Lecanemab in people with plaques but no memory loss. The conversation shifts to side effects, with Dr. Butson explaining that Lecanemab can cause brain swelling and bleeding, rarely leading to death, especially in those on blood thinners. After a sponsor break, Dr. Butson discusses his books, including 'Seven Steps to Managing Your Aging Memory', aimed at helping individuals distinguish normal aging from Alzheimer's. He addresses other forms of dementia, stating Lecanemab only works for Alzheimer's, which accounts for about 60% of dementia cases. For mild cognitive impairment, he recommends standard medications like Aricept and lifestyle changes. Dr. Butson debunks the idea that alcohol prevents Alzheimer's, citing studies that show causation is reversed, and discusses cannabis, noting it may help reduce opiate use in pain management. The episode concludes with thanks and closing remarks.

As heard by us

A hopeful treatment is weighed against its immune risks.

Boomers Today frames a promising medication through both its appeal and its limits. Dr. Andrew Butson explains how antibodies can prompt an immune response, with white blood cells helping clear amyloid plaques from the brain, while Frank Sampson keeps attention on who might, or…

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You get a sober look at an amyloid-plaque drug whose promise comes with immune-response risks.

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