Why Alzheimer’s is not a single disease – and why that matters

Regardless of many years of analysis, there’s no consensus on what causes Alzheimer’s. However a brand new mind-set is remodeling how we examine the situation, and will lastly ship efficient remedies

By Hannah Thomasy

FOR the primary time in practically twenty years, a brand new remedy for Alzheimer’s illness was authorised by the US Meals and Drug Administration in June. However as an alternative of pleasure and reduction, the announcement was largely met with frustration and even anger. Some consultants identified that the medical trial that was the premise of approval for Biogen’s drug aducanumab didn’t conclusively present that it decreased cognitive decline. As an alternative, the FDA primarily based its unprecedented resolution on proof that the drug treats the underlying explanation for Alzheimer’s.

The difficulty is, it’s removed from clear that the goal of this drug …