Dr. Ben Underwood, a co-first author from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, emphasized the urgent need for new treatments to slow down the progression of dementia or potentially prevent it. Dr. Underwood highlighted the potential for repurposing existing drugs for other conditions to fast-track their availability for dementia patients.
A recent study identified several types of drugs, such as antibiotics, antivirals, anticoagulants, and anticonvulsants, that were associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Additionally, certain vaccines, including those for hepatitis A, typhoid, and diphtheria, were also linked to a lower dementia risk, suggesting a possible connection between infections and common dementias.
Furthermore, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen were found to lower the risk of dementia, indicating the role of inflammation in the development of the disease. On the other hand, antipsychotic medications were correlated with an increased risk of dementia, while there was conflicting evidence regarding drugs for blood pressure, depression, and diabetes.
The study also pointed out the potential benefits and limitations of two approved Alzheimer’s drugs in the U.S., lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla), which are monoclonal antibodies designed to reduce amyloid plaques in the brain. However, these drugs are effective primarily for early-stage Alzheimer’s and may carry serious side effects.
Dr. Chris Vercammen, an internal medicine physician specializing in geriatrics and palliative care at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), commented on the study’s findings and emphasized the importance of systematic reviews for a comprehensive understanding of dementia risk factors associated with medication use.
While the study had some limitations due to variations in study methodologies, healthcare professionals underscored the significance of conducting comprehensive medication reviews for older adults at risk of dementia.
It’s important to acknowledge that these types of reviews are constrained by the overall quality of the available studies. Additionally, unlike meta-analyses, they do not offer a concise summary effect size for each medication, which can complicate discussions around risk assessment. Despite these limitations, Vercammen has deemed the findings to be “plausible” and has underscored the significance of conducting comprehensive medication reviews for older adults who are at risk of developing dementia. It is crucial to remember that all medications come with both benefits and risks. Therefore, it is imperative that individuals do not make any changes to their medication regimen without first consulting their healthcare provider, and they should address any concerns they may have with them. Providing personalized care entails meeting the practical needs of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers – often referred to as the ‘second patients’ – who play a crucial role in offering essential daily support. Vercammen also stresses the importance of patients consulting with their healthcare providers when contemplating new medications or treatments. Despite the absence of a cure for dementia and the challenges associated with currently available drugs, the value of personalized care cannot be understated, as highlighted by Vercammen’s experience. For more Health-related articles, please visit www.foxnews.com/health. This approach involves tending to the practical needs of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers – the ‘second patients’ – who play a pivotal role in providing indispensable daily support. It embodies the essence of unwavering, empathetic care in the absence of a cure.
