According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. In 2021, Alzheimer's was the fifth-leading cause of death among people aged 65 and older, making it the most common type of dementia.
A concerning statistic reveals that 60% of healthcare workers believe that the US healthcare system is not effectively supporting patients and their families in navigating dementia care, highlighting the importance of clear guidelines.
In this article, we will explore the current guidelines and consensus statements regarding Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, we will provide insight into the four most recent medications that have been approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's. Our focus will be on the guidelines and FDA updates that have recently emerged.
Part 1 - Current Alzheimer's Disease Guidelines & Consensus Statements
To start, here is a listing of the current Alzheimer's disease guidelines/consensus statements:
- Diagnostic Evaluation, Testing, Counseling, and Disclosure of Suspected Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders
- Alzheimer's Association
- Publication: December 23, 2024
- Risk Reduction of Cognitive Decline and Dementia
- World Health Organization
- Publication: March 01, 2019
- Delirium, Dementia And Depression In The Long-Term Care Setting
- Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association
- Publication: January 01, 2019
- Adults With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Major Neurocognitive Disorders
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- Publication: January 01, 2017
- The Use of Antipsychotics to Treat Agitation or Psychosis in Patients With Dementia
- American Psychiatric Association
- Publication: May 01, 2016
- Operationalizing The Detection Of Cognitive Impairment During The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit In A Primary Care Setting
- Alzheimer's Association
- Publication: March 01, 2013
- Appropriate Use Criteria For Amyloid PET
- Alzheimer's Association and Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
- Publication: January 01, 2013
- Evaluation and Management of Driving Risk in Dementia
- American Academy of Neurology
- Publication: April 12, 2012
- Genetic Counseling And Testing For Alzheimer Disease
- National Society of Genetic Counselors
- Publication: May 01, 2011
Part 2 - Recent FDA Approvals
Below, are the recent medications and therapies recently approved by the FDA that we anticipate being incorporated into future US guidelines:
- LEQEMBI® (lecanemab-irmb)
- FDA Approved on 1/27/25
- Eisai Inc. and Biogen
- LEQEMBI is an amyloid beta-directed antibody indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment with LEQEMBI should be initiated in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease, the population in which treatment was initiated in clinical trials.
- ZUNVEYL (benzgalantamine)
- FDA Approved on 7/29/24
- Alpha Cognition Inc.
- ZUNVEYL (benzgalantamine) is a cholinesterase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type in adults.
- KISUNLA (donanemab-azbt)
- FDA Approved on 7/2/24
- Eli Lilly and Company
- KISUNLA is an amyloid beta-directed antibody indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Treatment with KISUNLA should be initiated in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease, the population in which treatment was initiated in the clinical trials.
- REXULTI® (brexpiprazole)
- FDA Approved on 5/11/23
- Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. and Lundbeck
- REXULTI is an atypical antipsychotic indicated for treatment of agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.
Thank you for taking the time to review the current Alzheimer's disease guidelines/consensus, as well as the recent major changes and FDA approvals that have recently occurred. We value your feedback and would like to hear your suggestions for future topics to be covered in our guideline series. Please feel free to contact us with any ideas or questions you may have.
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