Potential new Alzheimer's treatment could prevent symptom decline for three years

The study, which is being presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, is a phase 2 clinical trial and found that people who took 0.4g/kg of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) every two weeks for 36 months had no decline on cognition, memory, daily functioning or mood. There were also no significant adverse side effects.

The phase 2 clinical trial found that people who took 0.4g/kg of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) every two weeks for 36 months had no decline on cognition, memory, daily functioning or mood. There were also no significant adverse side effects.

The initial 18 months of the trial involved 24 people taking a variety of different doses of the drugs. 16 people continued on for another 18 months at a set dose of 0.4g/kg.

A phase 3 trial of IVIG is currently underway.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'This is probably the most exciting drug we know about that is currently in the late stages of research. We now know it is safe but the real test will be whether these initial promising results can be replicated in larger groups. If the phase 3 trials are successful, and it can be made cost effective, this drug could be on the shelves within 10 years.

'One in three people over 65 will develop dementia. While finding a cure is the Holy Grail of dementia research, it is also vitally important that we continue to fund studies like this if we are to develop more treatments to help people to live well with the condition.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

• find out about Alzheimer's Society Research