Alzheimer's disease is a devastating condition that affects an estimated 6.7 million people in the United States, according to a report from the Alzheimer's Association called 2023 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. There is a great deal of research being done to identify treatments and hopefully find a way to cure or prevent Alzheimer's disease. Over the last several years, two new medications to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease have been approved - aducanumab (Aduhelm) and lecanemab (Leqembi).

Unfortunately, people with Down syndrome were not included in studies of these new medications. Many organizations in the Down syndrome community are advocating for people with Down syndrome. LuMind IDSC Foundation recently shared an article called Five takeaways for the Down syndrome community: Updates on accessing the new Alzheimer's drugs. It answers five questions: 

1. What is the connection between Alzheimer's and Down syndrome?

2. What are the recent medical drug advancements in treating Alzheimer's disease?

3. If there are promising results for new Alzheimer's drugs, what are the barriers for the Down syndrome community?

4. What can be done about these barriers?

5. What can you do today to support a healthier future for your loved one?

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, there are some things we can do that may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or delay its onset. Brian Chicoine, MD, medical director of the Adult Down Syndrome Center, provides more information in an article called Reducing Risk of Getting Alzheimer's Disease.