Alzheimer’s – The Drugs Don’t Work

The lead author Francesco Nonino, neurologist and epidemiologist at the IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Italy. “Unfortunately, the evidence suggests that these drugs make no meaningful difference to patients. There is now a convincing body of evidence converging on the conclusion that there is no clinically meaningful effect. While early trials showed results that were statistically significant, it is important to distinguish between this and clinical relevance. It is common for trials to find statistically significant results that do not translate into a meaningful clinical difference for patients.”

These trials, and the research behind them, has cost an estimated $250 billion, spent by big pharma and donated by governments and Alzheimer’s charities around the world – money raised from us, the tax payers.

This may be shocking but all the evidence, laid out clearly in my book Alzheimer’s:Prevention is the Cure makes it clear what the scientific experts have known for some time – that amyloid is not the cause of Alzheimer’s but the consequence of the disease process. Consequently, trying to lower it with anti-amyloid drugs will not work, as this review makes clear. Even worse, it is now established that we produce beta-amyloid to stop brain bleeds so removing deposits with targeted anti-amyloid antibodies is likely to cause brain bleeding, which is the most common adverse effect of these drugs experienced by one in five in drug trials. Yet the main marketing concept being touted by the industry is the hope that giving them to people earlier in the disease process might help. It is more likely to harm. Such studies have yet to be carried out.

Anti-amyloid trials raise scientific and ethical questions, says Emeritus professor of pharmacology, David Smith, from the University of Oxford. “Is it justifiable to ask patients to undergo yet more trials of failed anti-amyloid treatments?” he asks.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that prevention does work. Already there is evidence that correcting low levels of B vitamins and omega-3 produces highly significant clinical benefit in those with pre-dementia with no associated risks at a fraction of the cost. Next week, on April 28^th, world leading experts on Alzheimer’s prevention are meeting at a conference hosted by foodforthebrain.org to help develop the most progressive prevention strategy based on all the evidence that exists.

This includes eating more vegetables and fruit, seafood and eggs, rich in omega-3 and phospholipids, also supplementing omega-3 and B vitamins, especially vitamin B12, cut right back on sugar and ultra-processed foods, keeping physically, socially and intellectually active, the role of a healthy gut, better sleep, less stress, vitamin DWhat it does: Helps maintain strong and healthy bones by retaining calcium. Deficiency Signs: Joint pain or stiffness, backache, tooth decay, muscle cramps, hair loss…. and correcting post-menopausal hormonal deficiencies are all part of the conference reports. Neurologist, Dr David Perlmutter says “Becoming an Alzheimer’s patient is almost always a choice. This conference will explain why.”

The conference is open to all on line at https://foodforthebrain.org/alzheimers-prevention-new-frontiers-conference/.

The book  Alzheimer’s:Prevention is the Cure is available from https://www.holfordnutrition.com/product/apc/.

Foodforthebrain.org who offer free Cognitive Function Test and assessment to identify a person’s quickest wins to dementia proof their diet and lifestyle.

The Cochrane review is available here   [https://www.cochrane.org/about-us/news/anti-amyloid-alzheimers-drugs-show-no-clinically-meaningful-effect]