New Alzheimer's drugs offer hope after dementia became Australia's top killer
Two new Alzheimer's drugs and a blood test offer the first real treatment in 120 years.
For the first time in over a century, dementia has treatments that actually work. Last year dementia became Australia's leading cause of death, with a 39 per cent rise in cases over the past decade.
About 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Two breakthrough drugs have been approved in the past 12 months, a diagnostic blood test is now available, and research on prevention and rehabilitation has expanded.
The story of Megan, a 55-year-old Victorian nurse who discovered she carries a gene mutation for early Alzheimer's, shows both the fear the diagnosis brings and the hope these new tools offer. Scientists say the future of dementia treatment is finally changing.
- 55
- Megan's age at diagnosis
- PSEN1
- Gene mutation
- 90,000
- New cases per year in Australia
- 39 percent
- Case rise over past decade
Why it mattersFor decades dementia was untreatable and terminal. Two new drugs and a blood test are the first real medical tools available, and early detection means treatment can start before symptoms appear.
AustraliaOne in 12 Australians either have dementia or care for someone with it. These new treatments could mean earlier intervention and better quality of life for tens of thousands of Australians and their families.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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