In 2024-25, I had the honor of spending time with Dr. Andrew Frank in Canada to discuss next steps necessary for Canada to take in consideration of two new intravenous medications for treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Since that opportunity, I feel like I am seeing additional ways, almost weekly, where scientists are honing in on the mechanisms of neurocognitive diseases.
In an opinion piece Dr. Frank and I authored for the Montreal Gazette in June 2025, we urged Canada’s prompt consideration of a pathway for approved use and tracking of lecanemab and donanemab, already approved by other science-based programs in the European Union, U.K. and USA as ways to clear toxic accumulations of amyloid protein in the brain that were associated with cognitive decline. We supported an essential step, establishing a detailed registry for Canadians approved to receive the new medications with a goal of tracking any side effects and all outcomes.
During my Fulbright-funded research time in Canada in 2024-25, I dug in deep to understand not only the potential for cutting-edge breakthroughs in neurocognitive impairments, but also criticism of past research. Since our article appeared last summer, there is more to track and understand, especially when balancing the need for innovation and safeguards.
Consider the following news items from the last few weeks:
- Korean researchers report evidence that oral bacteria, once colonized in the gut, can affect neurons in the brain and potentially trigger Parkinson’s disease.
- USA’s FDA approval for blood-based testing to do early screening for bio-markers associated with development of Alzheimer’s disease. Minimal invasion — certainly far less than spinal taps. That can be huge.
From the perspective of a lawyer interested in fair access for older adults to cutting edge tools, such innovations are promising; early, accurate detection seems likely to lead to early solutions.