New Data Shows Hope for Reducing Agitation in Alzheimer’s Patients
Alzheimer’s-related agitation is one of the most difficult challenges facing patients and caregiver
Washington, D.C. – Today, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s hailed the release of a new data indicating a drug may help patients living with Alzheimer’s-related agitation. In addition to the impact agitation has on patients, it is also one of the most stressful challenges facing their caregivers.
The drug, brexpiprazole is developed by Otsuka and Lundbeck, who announced Monday that their Phase 3 clinical trial “concluded that there is a statistically significant difference (p=0.0026) in the mean change from baseline to Week 12 in the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) total score between brexpiprazole and placebo.” The companies said that they intend ask the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) later this year for approval. If approved, brexpiprazole will be the first pharmacological treatment for Alzheimer’s-related agitation.
“Availability of a treatment for Alzheimer’s-related agitation would be a big win for Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers struggling with one of the most difficult challenges related to Alzheimer’s,” said George Vradenburg, chair and co-founder of UsAgainstAlzheimers. “While the analysis of the study is still underway and not yet public, this announcement is a very, very promising development made possible by the patients and caregivers who participated in the study and by Otsuka and Lundbeck who continue to invest in treatments designed to improve the lives of families living with this terrible disease.”
In 2020, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s A-LIST® partnered on research showing that 75% of caregivers reported caring for a patient with at least one agitation symptom. In addition to the challenges facing patients, caretakers have higher levels of sleep disturbances like insomnia (47%), anxiety (44%), and depression (38%) than non-caregivers, further underscoring the need for Alzheimer’s-related agitation treatments.
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UsAgainstAlzheimer’s exists to conquer Alzheimer’s disease. We take on the toughest problems; bring all of “Us” together to break down barriers; advocate for research that will speed treatments to market; and drive changes that matter most to people living with the disease. We will not rest until brain-span equals lifespan - for everyone.