A new study published in Neurology examines the factors associated with the use of anti-amyloid medications and adherence to treatment among people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Between 2021 and 2024, three amyloid-targeting monoclonal antibodies (aducanumab, lecanemab and donanemab) were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of MCI and mild dementia due to AD. In this paper, the researchers investigated how demographic characteristics and social drivers of health were associated with treatment use and initial adherence.
Using a database of more than one million adults with MCI or dementia, the research team identified 2,427 patients who received anti-amyloid medication and compared them with a similar group of untreated patients. Race, ethnicity and health comorbidities were strongly associated with treatment use. The study found that black adults had 86% lower odds of receiving anti-amyloid treatment, while Hispanic adults had 79% lower odds, compared with non-Hispanic white adults. Younger age, non-Hispanic white ethnicity, fewer comorbidities and lower social vulnerability were also associated with a greater likelihood of receiving treatment. In this paper, authors highlight disparities in access to emerging AD treatments and underscore the importance of understanding the demographic and health-related factors that influence treatment uptake and adherence.
https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000218594
