NewsRadio WFLA (WFLA-AM)

American Medicine Today - Radio

NewsRadio WFLA (WFLA-AM)

  • DR. KEITH VOSSEL – CONTROVERSIAL NEW ALZHEIMER’S DRUG 4 23 22

DR. KEITH VOSSEL – CONTROVERSIAL NEW ALZHEIMER’S DRUG 4 23 22

Saturday 23rd April 2022

Dr. Keith Vossel discusses the controversial Alzheimer's drug aduhilm, its effectiveness, costs, and future treatment options on 'American Medicine Today'.
Explicit
10 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Engaging
Educational
Supportive

About this podcast

American Medicine Today - Radio
Author:
NewsRadio WFLA (WFLA-AM)
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Holistic Health Innovations
Innovative Healing Arts
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindful Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Alzheimer's Treatment Dilemma: Dr. Keith Vossel on Aduhilm's Controversy

The amyloid hypothesis has been around for many years, and it's a very valid hypothesis based on genetic evidence we have for Alzheimer's disease, many of the genes that are linked to Alzheimer's disease increase the amount of amyloid beta in the brain.
When it comes to Alzheimer's disease, a new drug called aduhilm has stirred quite a debate. Approved by the FDA last year, this treatment has left many doctors scratching their heads. Dr. Keith Vossel, director of the Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research at UCLA, sheds light on the complexities surrounding this medication in a fascinating episode of 'American Medicine Today'. Dr.
Vossel breaks down the science behind aduhilm, a monoclonal antibody aimed at clearing amyloid plaques from the brain. These plaques are believed to play a significant role in Alzheimer's, but the journey to proving this theory has been anything but straightforward. Clinical trials have been a rollercoaster, with some showing promise and others falling flat. This mixed bag of results has fueled skepticism and debate within the medical community.
Adding to the controversy is the hefty price tag of $56,000 per year for aduhilm. Medicare's decision to cover the drug only for patients in clinical trials has further complicated matters, leaving many to wonder if the benefits truly outweigh the costs. Dr. Vossel also emphasizes the importance of early detection. Nearly 75% of older adults with mild cognitive impairment go undiagnosed, according to a recent Alzheimer's Association report.
He advocates for routine screening in primary care settings, much like cancer screenings, to catch dementia early and improve intervention outcomes. The conversation doesn't stop at aduhilm. Dr. Vossel explores the broader landscape of Alzheimer's treatment, highlighting that amyloid plaques are just one piece of the puzzle. Genetics, seizures, high blood pressure, and inflammation all contribute to the disease, suggesting that future treatments will likely need to tackle multiple factors simultaneously.
This episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and hopes surrounding Alzheimer's treatment today. Whether you're directly affected by Alzheimer's or simply curious about cutting-edge medical debates, Dr. Vossel's insights provide a thought-provoking look at where we stand and where we're headed.