Drug halts Alzheimer’s for up to three years

For the first time, researchers are reporting that a treatment might help stabilise Alzheimer’s disease for as much as three years, although the evidence is weak and in only four patients.

The drug is Gammagard, manufactured by Baxter International Inc. Doctors say that four patients who have been receiving the highest dose for three years showed no decline on memory and cognition tests. A dozen others on different doses or shorter treatment times did not fare as well.

This study was far too small to prove the treatment works, but one involving 400 patients will give results within a year.