We’re still a long way from a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, but three new experimental drugs are showing promise on slowing its onset.  Researchers announced their progress at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Washington, DC.

And the three drugs come with the usual caveat for these types of medical stories:  They’re not ready for market and more research is needed.  Unfortunately, these drugs won’t help anyone you may know who has Alzheimer’s Disease today.

The three drugs are called Solanezumab, Aducanumab and Gantenerumab.  And, yes, you did notice that all three end with “mab”.  It means “monoclonal antibody”, and they all attack a protein called amyloid which create sticky plaques between nerve cells in the brain, leading to damage and eventually brain cell death.

Solanezumab seemed to strike out in an 18-month trial that ended in 2012.  But when big pharma company Eli Lilly took another look at the research, researchers found hints that Solanezumab was working for patients in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s. 

Biogen is moving to a Phase III study on Aducanumab, which is the last step before seeking approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. Aducanumab appears to be clearing the amyloid from the brains of patients.  Researchers will test it in people who have very early Alzheimer’s disease or who have what’s called mild cognitive impairment – changes in memory and thinking that can lead to Alzheimer’s.

Gantenerumab initially appeared to fail in tests, but another look at the data might show that patients weren’t given a high enough dosage.  That’s a problem in itself, because taking too much can cause brain inflammation – leading to headaches, dizziness, and possible death.