Exploring the Possibility of Reversing Alzheimer's! The "Disappearing" Amyloid: The Small Miracle and Reality Demonstrated by Nanotherapy

1. The Small Revolution of "Erasing Plaques"—But Still in "Mice"

The news covered by PasseportSanté highlights a study that used nanotechnology to remove amyloid plaques in the brain and restore memory in mice. As the headline suggests, the impact is significant. On social media, there was excitement with comments like "Has the fundamental treatment finally arrived?" However, it is important to emphasize that this is still at the animal stage, not human. In science, it is not uncommon for treatments successful in mice to not be replicable in humans. It is necessary to carefully build up reproducibility and safety, and cautiously bridge the process to clinical trials.Facebook

Nevertheless, the significance of once again showing a "YES possibility" to the long-standing question of "Can reducing plaques protect cognition?" is considerable. Nano-therapy is also gaining attention as a foundation for future drug delivery and combination therapies.PMC

2. Anti-Amyloid Antibodies: Progress in "Implementation" in Humans

Beyond the laboratory, anti-amyloid antibodies are moving into the medical field.

• Leqembi (Lecanemab): Suppressed cognitive decline by 27% over 18 months (CLARITY-AD trial). Approval in Europe is confirmed for April 2025, and discussions for introduction are ongoing.New England Journal of Medicine

• Kisunla (Donanemab): Approval is expanding from the US→Japan→other countries. The operational design allows for cessation of administration upon amyloid negativity, which is a notable feature.Reuters

Meanwhile, in Europe, there is a history where approval decisions have wavered, and the balance between the "magnitude" of the effect, "safety," and "system burden" continues to be debated in various countries.Le Monde.fr

3. The Reality of Risks: ARIA

Both drugs carry the risk of ARIA (Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities), which involves brain edema and hemorrhage. In CLARITY-AD, edema/exudation and hemorrhage occurred at certain rates, necessitating the establishment of emergency response systems. In the US, concerns including reports of deaths have been reported in general newspapers, and the anxiety among patients and families remains strong.New England Journal of Medicine

Therefore, it is crucial to consider these as a "set": very early adaptation, risk stratification such as genotype (ApoE4) and anticoagulant use, MRI monitoring, and emergency collaboration. This premise is clear even in European approvals.Le Monde.fr

4. Reading SNS Reactions: Hope, Caution, Reality

Hopeful Side

"Even if it's expensive, if it brings hope, I want to try it" (a family's post about Lecanemab prescription in China and an annual $30,000 burden)Reddit

"Improvement in walking, balance, and subjective cognition in one year" according to a family's qualitative report (Lecanemab)Reddit

Cautious Side

"The effect is close but the difference is small. Balancing the side effect profile and the burden of hospital visits" (a comparative examination post)Reddit

Realistic Side

"Issues with insurance coverage and logistics, and bi-weekly/monthly infusions disrupt family life" (a family's hesitation after receiving a prescription proposal)Reddit

Such **"voices from a lifestyle perspective"** reveal the "real picture of treatment" that cannot be seen from clinical trial numbers alone.

5. Key Points of the Latest Topics in Japan and Europe

• Kisunla (Donanemab) is approved in Japan in 2024. The design allowing for cessation of administration upon amyloid negativity is also noteworthy from the perspective of medical resources.Reuters

• Leqembi (Lecanemab) is approved in Europe in 2025. Meanwhile, the UK's NICE has decided not to adopt it in the NHS due to cost-effectiveness and system burden, showing varied judgments by country.francealzheimer.org
  
  

6. "Nano-Therapy" x "Antibody Drugs"—Future Parallel Scenarios

The amyloid hypothesis of "Can reducing plaques protect symptoms" is currently at a stage of "somewhat positive" in clinical settings and **"strongly positive" in preclinical settings**. Advances in nano-therapy offer the potential to deliver drugs precisely to targeted locations, reduce side effects, and combine with existing antibodies, thereby enhancing the already implemented antibody drugs.PMC

7. Conclusion: Today's Reality and Tomorrow's Expectations

• Today's Reality: Anti-amyloid antibodies can slow progression in some early-stage patients, but there are barriers such as side effect monitoring, system preparation, and cost.New England Journal of Medicine

• Tomorrow's Expectations: Although nano-therapy is still at the animal stage, reports showing simultaneous plaque removal and functional recovery are increasing, drawing attention to translational research.Facebook

Finally, I want to emphasize.While "treatment options" have increased, the "optimal solution" varies for each individual. It is essential to share values, lifestyle, and risk tolerance with family and healthcare providers and continuously update information from clinical trials and registries.PMC