New drug trial looks to stop and even prevent Alzheimer's Disease
Retired nurse Margaret Williamson is undergoing a medical trial which may revolutionalise the treatment of dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease, the leading cause of death for women in Australia.
Along with twin sister Marilyn, a screening at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) in 2022 found they had the amyloid protein in their brains, which is believed to be the leading cause of Alzheimer's Disease.
Margaret and Marilyn have no family history of dementia.
The diagnosis meant Margaret and Marilyn qualified to take part in one of several clinical trial into a groundbreaking drug Lecanemab. Overseas studies have shown Lecanemab can slow cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer's by 25%.
Now the two-year drug trial at HMRI will aim to determine whether it can also prevent the disease.
"What we're doing is targeting people who are yet to develop Alzheimer's but have low levels of amyloid," said Professor Michael Breakspear, a professor of neuroscience and psychiatry, who is leading the HMRI trial.
"So, we're not just treating the symptoms with Lecanemab, but actually modifying the progression of the disease."
In June 2023, the Therapeutic Goods Administration accepted and commenced evaluating an application to register the use of Lecanemab in Australia, after it was approved in the US.
Margaret is currently undertaking the two-year trial and having treatment at Mater Hospital in Newcastle.
"I'm alright now, but those coming after me might benefit from this," Margaret said.
"You've got to be game enough to put yourself out there, to help someone else."