Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common incurable diseases affecting the nervous system, often leading to the development of dementia. AD is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal beta-amyloid proteins (Aβ) and by the phosphorylation of tau protein, accompanied by inflammation and atrophy of brain tissue. New treatments for AD focus on changing the process of the disease itself. Agents with this ability include aducanumab and lecanemab, which are based on the direct removal of Aβ and which slow down the cognitive and functional decline of the affected person. Another important new approach is based on the use of anti-Aβ monoclonal antibodies, which, by binding to Aβ, can slow the progression of AD to a more severe form. One of the major problems of treating AD with Aβ-mediated procedures is the development of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). Most of the studies related to the treatment of AD to date are limited to individuals at an early stage of AD development. Future research should focus on mechanisms that could eliminate or reduce the progression of AD, even in patients suffering from late-stage AD.
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