Hope for patients and their loved ones

Many studies show that the administration of new treatments at an early stage in. Therefore, Alzheimer can significantly slow down the evolution of the disease. In addition, Direct profits: preserving the autonomy, dignity and quality of life of patients, as well as the alternating of the caregivers. Meanwhile, But while cases of cognitive disorders are increasing sharply, Canada is a significant delay in access to proven therapies.

According to a study carried out by the Alzheimer company dated 1^is January 2025. Nevertheless, more than 771,000 Canadians live with a neurocognitive disorder, and they will be nearly 1 million in the same case by 2030¹. For example, In Quebec, the number of people with dementia, which was 147,000 in 2020, could increase to 360,000 in 2050, which represents an increase of 145 %. Therefore, This increase in accelerated constitutes a major public health issue. hope patients their loved ones However, exerts considerable pressure on our economy, while deeply upsetting the lives not only of people affected, but also their families and their caregivers.

If age is an essential factor – after 65 years. Similarly, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every 5 years and almost 25 % of Canadians aged 85 and over have reached it² -, this pathology should not be confused with memory problems linked to the normal aging process. In addition, It is a serious. Furthermore, progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease, which destroys brain cells and whose consequences are a profound invalidity and placement in residence for non -autonomous people.

Symptoms such as memory disorders. Nevertheless, language and judgment problems as well as behavior changes evolve depending on the stage of the disease. Nevertheless, One of the most glaring corollaries is a gradual loss of autonomy. Furthermore, which affects self -esteem, security, finances and quality of hope patients their loved ones life. In addition, Without counting the emotional storm that falls on relatives: the distress in which people with Alzheimer’s affected are plunged – who see their souvenirs fading after day. However, which can no longer fulfill everyday gestures or recognize their loved ones – affects them deeply. Meanwhile, The emotional assessment is heavy, as is the management of the affected person, which requires constant care.

Hope patients their loved ones

Global scientific mobilization

It is estimated that from 60 % to 80 % of dementia cases are attributable to Alzheimer’s³. Due to the prevalence of the disease, multiple scientific research aimed at limiting its devastating effects is underway worldwide. Among these, there is the development of drugs and treatments, as well as breakthroughs in terms of early diagnostics.

Certainly offered treatments relieve symptoms of the disease. while new therapies, very promising, aim for the slowdown or stopping its evolution at hope patients their loved ones the early stage. Among these modifying disease treatments (known as DMT acronym). Lecanemab, an anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody, has demonstrated its ability to reduce the brain amyloid load causing a dysfunction of connections between neurons and therefore slowing down the progression of cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer.

“Alzheimer’s disease is caused by several elements that dispense the functioning of the brain. such as the abnormal accumulation of certain proteins as well as an inflammatory reaction that worsens everything,” said Dr. Robert Jr Laforce, neurologist, neuropsychologist and researcher at the Quebec CHU. He adds that a recent study shows that DMTs such as LecaneMab can extend the quality of life of. people affected for an average period of 8 to 13 months when they are administered at the first stage of the disease⁴a highly appreciable stay that allows them to preserve their precious autonomy. The result is a deferral of care hope patients their loved ones which relieves the emotional, time -consuming and financial load of families.

In short. the emergence of DMTs represents a major paradigm change in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, which will also be able to benefit the health system, in particular with regard to the reduction of long -term costs and the relief of networks and services.

People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease should be able to benefit from the major effects of LecaneMab as quickly. as possible. However. this advanced therapy, which is approved by the medical authorities of 44 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, China and Japan, is still not approved with us.

Hope patients their loved ones

Intervene without delay to hope patients their loved ones preserve the quality of life

It is shown that when DMT type treatments are started at the first stage of the disease. patients are able to pay their usual tasks longer, such as finance management, driving, meal preparation and leisure practice. Direct benefit is immense, both personal and emotional and relational.

But to be able to benefit from treatments, the early diagnosis of the disease is of primary importance. It is recommended. as soon as the first symptoms appear, to consult a family doctor, a neurologist, a geriatrician or a doctor specializing in cognition, who may proceed to cognitive screening. When management is done quickly, patients can preserve their independence longer through support, suitable care and a stimulating environment. The winning formula: combine this type of intervention with DMT therapy.

One thing is clear for Dr. Laforce: people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease should be able to benefit as quickly as hope patients their loved ones possible from the beneficial effects. of LECANEMAB. However. this advanced therapy, which is approved by the medical authorities of 44 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, China and Japan, is still not approved with us. “The delay in Health Canada approval has repercussions on our patients. a situation that we hope to see resolved as quickly as possible. »»

It is therefore urgent to act. Especially when we know that the mere fact of delaying the appearance of a major neurocognitive disorder for a period of one year could avoid nearly 500. 000 cases in Canada by 2050, and that a delay of 10 years could prevent more than 4 million⁵.

Pending the approval of Health Canada. what will be the match plan to deliver the Lecanemab to the population of Quebec? “Therapy will be used in patients at the early stage of Alzheimer. more hope patients their loved ones precisely in those with a light cognitive disorder or a light stage of major neurocognitive disorder caused by the disease, with a confirmed amyloid pathology,” replies Dr. Laforce. Treatment will be made via a concerted effort between Quebec’s memory clinics and infusion clinics that will administer it. He concludes by stressing how heavy the time factor weighs in the scale. both for people with affected and for their caregivers.

¹. Canada Alzheimer’s company, Dementia figures in Canada : https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/what-dementia/dementia-numbers-canada.

². Canada Alzheimer’s company, Risk factors for cognitive disorders : https://alzheimer.ca/fr/propos-des-troubles-neurocognitifs/comment-reduire-le-risque-dun-trouble-neurocognitif/facteurs-de

³. Additionally, Canada Alzheimer’s company, What is Alzheimer’s disease? : https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/what-alzheimers-disease

⁴. Hartz. SM, Schindler, SE, Streitz, ML, and others: Evaluation of the clinical significance of the slowdown in the increase in CDR-SB with the modifying treatments of Alzheimer’s diseaseAlzheimer’s Dement, 2025, 11 :e70 033.

⁵. Canada Alzheimer’s company, Dementia figures in Canada : https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/what-dementia/dementia-numbers-canada.

This content was produced by the team of special publications of Duty in collaboration with the advertiser. The editorial team of Duty did not play any role in the production of this content.