Researchers have found a possible way to delay Alzheimer’s symptoms in people likely to develop the disease in their 40s or 50s. According to a report in The Lancet Neurology, long-term use of drugs that remove amyloid plaques has shown promising results. Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis studied 22 participants who received this treatment for about eight years. The results showed that removing amyloid buildup for an extended period reduced the risk of developing symptoms by 50%. The study focused on families with rare gene mutations that almost always lead to Alzheimer’s, offering helpful insights into how the treatment works. Participants have now switched to Leqembi, an IV treatment approved in the U.S., to continue studying its long-term effects.

However, the study faces funding challenges. Dr. Randall Bateman, the lead investigator, warned that delays in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) could stop the research. These delays come as the new NIH director, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, has expressed concerns about focusing too much on amyloid-related treatments. He has suggested exploring other approaches. Despite this debate, researchers stress that amyloid buildup is still a major factor in Alzheimer’s. New studies are now exploring tau proteins, brain inflammation, and immune system responses. Without steady funding, scientists warn that crucial progress in delaying or preventing Alzheimer’s could be at risk.