News
What's happening in Alzheimer's care, research funding, and treatment — summarized simply, each item linked to the original reporting.
Free to read, “May need a subscription” and “Archived copy”: what they mean
Whether an article is free to read is a guess, not a test of your access. Each item is one of three:
- No label: free to read (303 of 347). The publisher’s page marks it free, or the outlet publishes free to read: Medical Xpress, ScienceDaily, NIH (incl. NIA and PMC), Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's News Today, NPR, Alzheimer's Disease International, or a .gov site.
- May need a subscription (11 of 347). The publisher’s own page marks the article as not free to read, or — when the page says nothing — the outlet sells subscriptions: The New York Times, STAT, Scientific American, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, The Economist, Bloomberg, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, Wired, Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, The Times, The Telegraph, New Scientist, Endpoints News, Science. Each badge says which.
- “Free to read? Not known” (33 of 347). The outlet is on neither list and its page said nothing. We do not call these paywalled.
Archived copy links go to a copy the Internet Archive (web.archive.org) saved, dated the day it was saved. We show one only where the Internet Archive reported a working saved copy when we checked; an archived copy of a subscription article sometimes shows only its opening. 265 of 347 items have one.
FDA approves Auvelity to treat Alzheimer’s-related agitation
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new first-in-class treatment, Auvelity (dextromethorphan-bupropion), for the treatment of agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease. …
Read at Alzheimer's News Today →Scientists say we’ve been treating Alzheimer’s all wrong
Alzheimer’s isn’t just one problem—it’s a tangled mix of biology, aging, and overall health. That’s why drugs targeting a single factor have fallen short, even as new treatments show modest benefits. …
Read at ScienceDaily → Archived copy (23 Sep 2026), Internet ArchiveDaily Alzheimer’s pill slows brain shrinkage, boosts cognition
The benefits seen in people with early Alzheimer’s disease after a year of treatment with blarcamesine (Anavex 2-73) were sustained over nearly three years, according to new analysis from the treatment’s developer, Anavex Life Sciences. …
Read at Alzheimer's News Today → Archived copy (1 Jul 2026), Internet ArchiveScientists finally reveal how this Alzheimer’s drug really works
A key Alzheimer’s drug has finally revealed its secret. Researchers discovered that lecanemab works by activating the brain’s immune cells—but only through a specific part of the antibody called the Fc fragment. …
Researchers explore surgical treatment’s potential in Alzheimer’s
Researchers are calling for more studies to determine whether lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA), a surgical procedure that helps clear molecular waste from the brain, might benefit people with Alzheimer’s disease. …
Read at Alzheimer's News Today → Archived copy (1 Jul 2026), Internet ArchiveFDA fast-tracks expanded home injections for Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing an application seeking expanded approval of an under-the-skin injection version of Leqembi (lecanemab), called Leqembi Iqlik. Leqembi is an approved treatment for early Alzheimer’s disease. …
Read at Alzheimer's News Today →Seniors with dementia being prescribed dangerous mind-altering drugs, study says
Many seniors with dementia are being put at risk by brain-altering medications linked to falls, confusion and hospitalization, a new study says.
Why it matters: Many seniors with dementia are put at risk by brain-altering medications linked to falls, confusion, and hospitalization, according to a new study.
Read at Medical Xpress → Archived copy (17 Jan 2026), Internet ArchiveSafe, low-cost Alzheimer's drug demonstrates efficacy against sickle cell anemia
Memantine, a long-approved and cost-effective drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease, could also benefit patients with sickle cell anemia in the future. …
Why it matters: Memantine, a long-approved and cost-effective Alzheimer's drug, shows potential to benefit patients with sickle cell anemia in the future.
Read at Medical Xpress →New ALS treatment target identified: STAUFEN-1 protein reduction protects brain cells from death
University of Utah researchers at the Pulst-Scoles Laboratory have discovered that reducing levels of the STAUFEN-1 protein can prevent neuron death caused by DNA damage and p53 activation in neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters: Reducing STAUFEN-1 protein levels can prevent neuron death caused by DNA damage and p53 activation in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.
Read at Medical Xpress →FDA decision on AXS-05 for Alzheimer’s agitation expected April 30
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted priority review to an application from Axsome Therapeutics seeking approval of its oral therapy AXS-05 to treat agitation related to Alzheimer’s disease, and expects to decide by April 30, the company said. …
Read at Alzheimer's News Today → Archived copy (1 Jul 2026), Internet ArchiveKey phospholipid points to potential treatment for vascular dementia
A possible new treatment for impaired brain blood flow and related dementias is on the horizon. Research by scientists at the University of Vermont Robert Larner…
Why it matters: Research by scientists at the University of Vermont Robert Larner points to a potential treatment for impaired brain blood flow and vascular dementia.
Read at Medical Xpress → Archived copy (3 Jan 2026), Internet ArchiveMiddle-aged brains show capacity for repair when treated with therapeutic intervention
Normal aging is characterized by deficits in the cognitive domains of learning, memory and executive function. Specifically, there are age-related changes in recall of information, speed of processing, visuospatial skills and cognitive flexibility. …
Why it matters: Normal aging brings cognitive deficits in learning, memory, and executive function, but middle-aged brains demonstrate a capacity for repair when treated with therapeutic intervention.
Read at Medical Xpress → Archived copy (29 Dec 2025), Internet ArchivePill form of semaglutide fails to slow Alzheimer's in large trial
A pill version of semaglutide, the ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, did not slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease, drugmaker Novo Nordisk announced on Nov. 24.
Why it matters: A pill form of semaglutide failed to slow Alzheimer's disease progression in a large trial, Novo Nordisk announced on Nov. 24.
Read at Medical Xpress → Archived copy (6 Jan 2026), Internet ArchiveNovel discovery reveals how brain protein OTULIN controls tau expression and could transform Alzheimer's treatment
Scientists have uncovered a surprising mechanism by which a brain enzyme called OTULIN controls the expression of tau, the protein that forms toxic tangles in Alzheimer's disease. …
Why it matters: Scientists uncovered a surprising mechanism by which the brain enzyme OTULIN controls tau expression, which could transform Alzheimer's treatment.
Read at Medical Xpress → Archived copy (25 Nov 2025), Internet ArchiveAlzheimer's Association Statement on Oral Semaglutide Phase 3 Topline Data Release
Novo Nordisk's EVOKE and EVOKE+ Phase 3 trials of oral semaglutide in more than 3,800 people with early symptomatic Alzheimer's did not meet the primary endpoint of significantly slowing disease progression, despite improving some Alzheimer's-related biomarkers. Novo Nordisk ended its Alzheimer's trials for semaglutide, including the injectable version.
Why it matters: A high-profile failure for the theory that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs could treat Alzheimer's, dampening near-term hopes for repurposing this popular drug class for dementia.
Read at Alzheimer's Association → Archived copy (30 Jul 2026), Internet ArchiveJ&J's Novel Alzheimer's Drug Fails in Key Trial, Dimming Hopes for a Hot Target
Johnson & Johnson terminated its mid-stage trial of posdinemab, a tau-targeting antibody, after an early analysis showed it was not outperforming placebo in slowing Alzheimer's progression.
Why it matters: A setback for the broader strategy of targeting tau protein rather than amyloid, a drug class also being pursued by Biogen, UCB, and Voyager Therapeutics.
May need a subscription Based on the outlet (STAT), not a check of this article.
Read at STAT News → Archived copy (1 Mar 2026), Internet ArchiveHow AI can create a virtual programmable human and revolutionize drug discovery
From idea, to lab, to clinic, to approval—it's a long and expensive process to bring a drug to market. It also rarely succeeds.
Why it matters: AI can create a virtual programmable human and revolutionize drug discovery, which is key because bringing a drug to market is a long, expensive process that rarely succeeds.
Read at Medical Xpress → Archived copy (17 Dec 2025), Internet ArchiveShingles vaccine most promising common drug to potentially prevent Alzheimer's
A new study has identified three existing medications that could be repurposed to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters: A new study identified three existing medications, including the shingles vaccine, that could be repurposed to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Read at Medical Xpress → Archived copy (19 Nov 2025), Internet ArchiveProtective microglia subtype offers potential therapeutic pathway in Alzheimer's disease
In Alzheimer's disease—the leading cause of dementia—microglia, the brain's immune defenders, can act as both protectors and aggressors, shaping how the disease progresses.
Read at Medical Xpress → Archived copy (15 Nov 2025), Internet ArchiveFDA Approves Weekly Subcutaneous Maintenance Dosing for Leqembi (Leqembi IQLIK)
The FDA approved a weekly at-home subcutaneous autoinjector maintenance dose of lecanemab (Leqembi IQLIK) for early Alzheimer's disease, the first amyloid-clearing antibody approved for self- or caregiver-administered injection. Patients who complete the initial 18-month IV infusion phase can switch to weekly injections.
Why it matters: Reduces the burden of regular infusion-center visits for patients and caregivers, making long-term treatment more convenient and potentially improving adherence.
Read at Alzheimer's Association → Archived copy (8 Jun 2026), Internet ArchivePotential Stroke and Dementia Therapies Put on Hold at UCLA
Federal funding suspensions tied to a Trump administration policy targeting universities cut off support for roughly 58 UCLA studies related to Alzheimer's, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases, including about $23 million backing the Neurology Department's work.
Why it matters: Shows how federal-university funding disputes can directly stall dementia drug and therapy research, including a UCLA-developed compound that had reached a pivotal testing stage.
Free to read? Not known for this outlet.
Read at UCLA newsroom → Archived copy (23 Jan 2026), Internet ArchiveFDA to Recommend Additional, Earlier MRI Monitoring for Patients With Alzheimer's Disease Taking Leqembi
After identifying 101 serious ARIA-E cases, including four fatalities occurring after the third infusion, the FDA required an additional MRI scan between the second and third lecanemab infusions, on top of previously scheduled monitoring scans.
Why it matters: A direct safety response meant to catch dangerous brain swelling earlier in patients on Leqembi, potentially preventing serious complications or deaths before they become symptomatic.
Read at FDA → Archived copy (10 Sep 2026), Internet ArchiveFDA Approves Label Update for Kisunla to Reduce ARIA-E Risk
The FDA approved a revised, more gradual titration dosing schedule for donanemab (Kisunla) based on the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 6 study, which found the new regimen cut ARIA-E brain-swelling side effects by 41% at 24 weeks and 35% at 52 weeks without reducing amyloid-clearing efficacy.
Why it matters: A dosing change that meaningfully lowers a serious, sometimes fatal side-effect risk for patients on donanemab, without sacrificing the drug's benefit.
Free to read? Not known for this outlet.
Read at PharmExec (reporting Eli Lilly/FDA action) → Archived copy (11 Jun 2026), Internet ArchiveEuropean Commission Approves First Disease-Modifying Treatment for Alzheimer's in the EU
The European Commission authorized lecanemab (Leqembi) for early Alzheimer's disease across the EU, restricted to patients with no or one copy of the ApoE4 gene variant, after the EMA initially rejected it in 2024 and reversed course on appeal.
Why it matters: Opens access to the first amyloid-targeting therapy in Europe, though with tighter eligibility than in the U.S. and dependent on each country's reimbursement decisions.
Read at Alzheimer's Disease International → Archived copy (5 Sep 2026), Internet ArchiveAlzheon's Alzheimer's Pill Fails in Phase III Trial
Alzheon's oral drug valiltramiprosate missed the primary endpoint in its 325-patient APOLLOE4 Phase 3 trial of early Alzheimer's patients with two copies of the APOE4 gene, though a prespecified mild cognitive impairment subgroup showed larger cognitive and functional benefits.
Why it matters: Another setback for a non-antibody, oral approach to Alzheimer's treatment, though the positive subgroup signal could still support a narrower regulatory path.
Free to read? Not known for this outlet.
Read at Clinical Trials Arena → Archived copy (17 Jun 2026), Internet ArchiveNew drug candidate targeting synaptic resilience well tolerated in Alzheimer’s patients
A new drug targeting synaptic resilience shows potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease in an NIA-funded study, with early trials indicating safety and possible brain damage reduction. Further research is needed on the drug’s long-term effects.
Why it matters: An NIA-funded study shows a new Alzheimer's drug candidate targeting synaptic resilience is well tolerated in early trials and may reduce brain damage.
Senolytic therapy shows subtle impact on age-related bone health in women
An NIA-funded clinical trial investigating whether senolytics could improve bone health in older women had just subtle results.
Why it matters: An NIA-funded clinical trial investigating whether senolytics could improve bone health in older women had just subtle results.
Read at NIH National Institute on Aging → Archived copy (7 Jul 2025), Internet ArchiveCassava Sciences and Its Alzheimer's Drug Are Done. The Damage Lingers.
Cassava Sciences' simufilam failed both of its Phase 3 trials (RETHINK-ALZ and REFOCUS-ALZ) in nearly 2,000 patients, missing all co-primary, secondary, and biomarker endpoints; the company ended the program. The drug's development had been dogged by allegations of falsified research.
Why it matters: Closes out a controversial, years-long saga in Alzheimer's drug development and underscores the cost to patients and the field when research-integrity concerns aren't caught earlier.
May need a subscription Based on the outlet (STAT), not a check of this article.
Read at STAT News → Archived copy (30 May 2026), Internet ArchiveFollow new items in a feed reader: Atom feed.