New Alzheimer’s Drug Shrinks Brain: Scientists Explain Controversial Mechanism Behind Treatment

Decreases in brain volume are linked to Alzheimer’s disease, but new treatments may cause further shrinkage. A study led by neurosurgeon Christopher Belder from University College London suggests this shrinkage might indicate treatment success rather than harm.

The research shows that loss of brain volume during immunotherapy could result from the removal of amyloid plaques, which accumulate in Alzheimer’s patients. UCL neurologist Nick Fox stated that previous concerns regarding neural toxicity may be misplaced.

Belder and his team analyzed data from twelve trials targeting beta-amyloid proteins. Their findings revealed that increased brain volume loss occurred only when these proteins were successfully reduced. The volume loss correlated with the reduction of amyloid levels.

The study notes that amyloid plaques occupy about 6% of the cortex in Alzheimer’s patients. The volume loss from treatment, while significant, is still much lower than the total volume occupied by the plaques.

The researchers caution that their explanation is not complete and acknowledge the need to consider other factors, such as shifts in brain fluid. As new treatments enter the market and trials, understanding these volume changes is crucial.

Belder emphasized the importance of tracking long-term effects. He called for better reporting of brain changes in clinical trials and further investigation into the implications of volume changes from these therapies.

This research was published in Lancet Neurology.