Success of experimental Alzheimer’s drug hailed as ‘historic moment’

Study shows cognition in early-stage patients on lecanemab declines by 27% less than those on placebo

An experimental drug has slowed the rate of decline in memory and thinking in people with early Alzheimer's disease in what is being described as a historic moment" for dementia treatment.

The cognition of Alzheimer's patients given the drug, developed by Eisai and Biogen, declined by 27% less than those on a placebo treatment after 18 months. This is a modest change in clinical outcome but it is the first time any drug has been clearly shown to alter the disease's trajectory.