An experimental Alzheimer's drug outperforms one just approved by the FDA
NPR Online NewsAPR 3 2023
The Spin
Narrative A
This trial is a game-changer. Just months ago there were no treatments for Alzheimer's, now two new drugs may soon be available to help slow cognitive decline. When approved, donanemab will help Alzheimer's patients remain independent — there is a good reason for this trial to inspire hope.
Narrative B
This trial should not be met with too enthusiastic a reception. The minimal benefits of donanemab are outweighed by its risks and its difficulty to administer, not to mention that it is predicted to cost far too much to be genuinely accessible. Additionally, any patient on the drug must devote time and expense to frequent brain scans, due to its potentially lethal side effects of brain swells and bleeds. There's still a long way to go for research into Alzheimer's treatments.