A study led by UCL researchers found that the loss of brain volume associated with new immunotherapies for Alzheimer’s disease is likely due to the removal of amyloid plaques, rather than the loss of neurons or brain tissue. The excess volume loss was consistent across trials and correlated with the effectiveness of the therapy in removing amyloid. This phenomenon was termed “amyloid-removal-related pseudo-atrophy” (ARPA). These findings suggest that the volume loss should not be a cause for concern. Amyloid-targeting monoclonal antibodies represent a breakthrough in Alzheimer’s treatment, and better reporting of brain volume changes in clinical trials is needed for further evaluation.
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Brain volume loss linked to Alzheimer’s treatment may be caused by amyloid plaque removal
