Can Brain Surgery Hold the Key to Curing Alzheimer's?

The quest to cure Alzheimer's disease is fraught with challenges, but emerging research suggests that it may not be an impossible feat. Recent advances in brain surgery and innovative laboratory techniques are shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of dementia, offering hope for future treatments. Notably, researchers at the University of Edinburgh are actively exploring the biology of Alzheimer's, paving the way for potential breakthroughs.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The landscape of Alzheimer's research is evolving rapidly, particularly with recent developments from the University of Edinburgh. Neurosurgeons are collaborating with scientists to utilise brain tissue obtained during surgeries for research purposes. This innovative approach allows for deeper insights into Alzheimer's disease, as researchers study living neurons to better understand how the disease progresses and affects brain function.

Key takeaways

• Alzheimer's research is advancing through the use of living brain tissue.
• Recent drugs have shown promise in slowing disease progression but are not yet widely available.
• Multiple approaches targeting different aspects of Alzheimer's, including proteins and immune response, are being explored.

Timeline: how we got here

Recent advancements in Alzheimer's research are the culmination of decades of scientific exploration. Here’s a brief timeline of significant milestones:

• 1906: Alois Alzheimer identifies the disease for the first time.
• 1990s: The understanding of amyloid plaques and tau tangles begins to develop.
• 2010: The first drug approved to treat cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer's patients.
• 2021: Lecanemab enters clinical trials, showing potential to slow disease progression.
• 2023: Donanemab receives attention for its effects in clinical studies.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Research led by Dr Claire Durrant at the University of Edinburgh is examining the effects of toxic proteins on living brain tissue. This research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind synapse loss in Alzheimer's patients, which is currently not fully understood.

What was already established

It has long been known that Alzheimer's disease is characterised by the accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. Existing treatments have primarily focused on alleviating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

With approximately one million people in the UK living with dementia, the implications of research breakthroughs are profound. Effective treatments could significantly improve the quality of life for patients and reduce the burden on families and caregivers.

Businesses and jobs

The growth of the dementia research sector can lead to new job opportunities and economic benefits. As more breakthroughs occur, companies involved in drug development and healthcare services may see increased demand for specialised skills.

Policy and regulation

As research progresses, it will be essential for UK policymakers to consider how to integrate new treatments into existing healthcare frameworks. This may involve discussions around funding, accessibility, and the ethical implications of new therapies.

Numbers that matter

• 1 million: The estimated number of people in the UK affected by dementia.
• 5-10 years: The timeframe experts suggest for potentially life-changing treatments to become available.
• 2: The number of recently developed drugs (lecanemab and donanemab) that show promise in slowing Alzheimer's progression.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Alzheimer's disease: A progressive neurological disorder that causes memory loss and cognitive decline.
• Amyloid: A protein that forms plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, contributing to neurodegeneration.
• Tau: A protein that forms tangles within neurons, associated with Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Continued analysis of brain tissue samples and the results of ongoing clinical trials are expected. Researchers will monitor outcomes from recent drug developments closely.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Further findings may lead to more comprehensive insights into the biological mechanisms of Alzheimer's. This could result in new research collaborations and the initiation of advanced clinical trials.

Signals to watch

• Results from ongoing clinical trials of amyloid and tau-targeting drugs.
• New publications and findings from leading dementia research centres.
• Policy discussions regarding funding and access to emerging treatments.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about the latest research developments in Alzheimer's disease.
• Encourage participation in clinical trials if eligible.
• Support organisations focused on dementia research and advocacy.

Don’t

• Ignore the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.
• Discourage open discussions about dementia within families and communities.
• Overlook the significance of lifestyle choices in brain health.

Checklist

• Review family history of dementia and discuss with a healthcare professional.
• Engage in cognitive health-promoting activities.
• Monitor any cognitive changes and seek medical advice promptly.
• Stay connected with advancements in treatment options and research.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While there is optimism surrounding Alzheimer's research, significant uncertainties remain. The complexity of the human brain poses challenges in understanding the disease fully. Moreover, the efficacy of new treatments in real-world settings is still to be established, necessitating careful monitoring and evaluation.

Bottom line

Curing Alzheimer's disease remains a formidable challenge, yet recent advances in research and treatment offer glimmers of hope. As scientists continue to unravel the complexities of the disease, the potential for meaningful breakthroughs is within reach, bringing renewed optimism for patients and families in the UK.

FAQs

Can Alzheimer's disease be cured?

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but ongoing research aims to develop effective treatments and understand the disease better.

What recent drugs have shown promise in treating Alzheimer's?

Drugs like lecanemab and donanemab have shown potential in clinical trials for slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

How is research at the University of Edinburgh contributing to Alzheimer's studies?

The University of Edinburgh is conducting cutting-edge research using living brain tissue to explore the mechanisms of Alzheimer's, providing valuable insights for potential treatments.