By Lauren Fetten |
December 31st, 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, we’re looking back at Being Patient readers’ favorite reporting.
This year, the world saw new blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease hit the market and two monoclonal antibody drugs for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease approved by the FDA. We brought the latest news and trustworthy information to millions of readers in 2024 — and we’re at the ready to do the same in 2025. Find our most popular stories of the year below.
A ground-breaking year for Alzheimer’s treatment
- Leqembi vs. Kisunla: Two monoclonal antibody drugs for early-stage Alzheimer’s are on the market. Here’s how they work, how safe they are, how they’re administered, how much they cost, and other key factors when deciding between the two.
- Fraud in Alzheimer’s research: In the last few years, several high-profile dementia researchers have been credibly accused of fraud and scientific misconduct. We spoke to one of the investigators involved in these cases, neurologist and science sleuth Dr. Matthew Schrag, about spotting misconduct — and why it takes so long to fix.
- Zunveyl for Alzheimer’s symptoms: The first new oral medication for Alzheimer’s cognitive symptoms in more than 20 years got FDA approval this summer. Zunveyl, a form of galantamine with far fewer side effects, will be in pharmacies by 2025.
- Leqembi, one year after approval: A look back at what neurologists have learned so far from patients on Leqembi.
- Leqembi’s origin story: CTAD honoree Lars Lannfelt’s work on a Swedish family’s Alzheimer’s-causing mutation in the late 1990s spurred the decades-long development of Leqembi.
Technology failures and triumphs
- 23andMe: After a hack exposed the data of millions of its customers, the at-home genetic testing giant 23andMe has faced financial difficulties and may now need to sell off your data to survive.
- Kinsome: Tech innovator Eben Pingree shares his family’s experience with Alzheimer’s and how his new app, Kinsome, can help grandkids and grandparents feel closer.
The Family Alzheimer’s Story Behind the New Grandkids-Grandparents App Kinsome
Developments — and drama — in dementia diagnostics
- Clinicians argue dueling definitions of Alzheimer’s: Do healthy people with high levels of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain have Alzheimer’s disease? This question is central to two dueling definitions of the disease. Here’s what experts think about how changing the definition will alter care.
- Just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s? Being Patient founder Deborah Kan weighs in on what the neurologist may be getting wrong.
- How to interpret your Alzheimer’s blood test results: Blood tests that screen for biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease are growing more widely available. But the results can be very tough to interpret.
- Your guide to Alzheimer’s blood tests: Here are the blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease currently available to U.S. patients, how much they cost, and how accurate they are.
Preparation for the holiday season
- Gifting with dementia in mind: What’s the right holiday present or birthday gift for someone living with Alzheimer’s or dementia? Being Patient’s editors round up a list of expert-vetted suggestions.
- Holiday drinking and brain health: University of Florida’s Jamie Smolen explores the long-lasting impact of alcohol on the brain. Here’s what to know about alcohol before taking part in the drinking festivities.
- Best practices for dementia-inclusive holiday planning: Planning for the holidays with someone living with dementia? The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine’s Dr. Alexis Eastman shares best practices for holiday travel and family gatherings.
