USA | The Alzheimer's Association has released a statement condemning widely shared harmful myths about Alzheimer's research.
As Alzheimer’s science rapidly evolves, the Alzheimer’s Association has publicly stated that everyone has a responsibility to ensure the information presented to people facing Alzheimer’s and other dementia is accurate and grounded in the latest science. However, it said there is an increasing amount of influencers and a very small minority in the dementia field who are perpetuating harmful myths about Alzheimer’s, including the new Alzheimer’s treatments.
Alzheimer’s and dementia research has momentum now more than ever, largely due to appropriately robust funding from the U.S. Congress. Recent advances include approval of the first effective treatments to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and accurate blood tests.
“These inaccurate, highly distorted, and sensationalised attacks on scientific discoveries and the scientific community have begun to reach the patient community and are impacting their health care decisions and treatment options,” the association said in a statement.
Recently, the association believed there were several dementia researchers who have engaged in fraud over the past two decades, resulting in a small number of studies that cannot be relied upon. To be clear, the Alzheimer’s Association said that research fraud is unacceptable and must not be tolerated. However, these studies in question were not as pivotal as they have recently been portrayed, and subsequent research was not dependent on them.
Over the past two decades, Alzheimer’s research has included research into the “amyloid hypothesis” based on a robust body of scientific evidence. This research has been successful. Through the clearance of amyloid, the two treatments available to patients today have demonstrated their effectiveness in rigorous phase three clinical trials, bringing meaningful benefits to patients.
At the same time, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Alzheimer’s Association, and other funders are funding many more projects that address therapeutic targets such as Tau, inflammation, and metabolic pathways. Claims that Alzheimer’s research is focused on amyloid to the exclusion of other targets are simply wrong. For example, as of September 2024, the National Institute on Aging has 68 active pharmacological trials, only 14 of which focus on amyloid.
"There are nearly seven million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. Another 11 million are providing unpaid care. On behalf of these individuals and the millions more who may develop Alzheimer’s or another dementia in the years to come — the myths about Alzheimer’s research must stop," the association said in its statement.
For someone facing Alzheimer’s disease, having accurate information and unbiased guidance can mean the difference between seeking care — including obtaining a diagnosis, getting access to treatment or exploring participation in clinical trials — or not.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organisation dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximising quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.
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