UK Approves First Step Towards Treating Alzheimer’s Disease with Lecanemab

Dementia Australia has welcomed the recent approval of Lecanemab by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, marking a significant milestone in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The drug, which is currently under evaluation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia, has already been approved for use in several countries, including the USA, Japan, China, South Korea, and Israel.

Professor Christopher Rowe, Director of the Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT), praised the UK’s decision, emphasising its importance despite the drug not being a cure. “This is an exciting and historic first step towards reducing the enormous impact of Alzheimer’s disease on individuals, families, and health and aged care services,” Professor Rowe stated. He highlighted that Lecanemab, developed by Eisai, slows the progression of early Alzheimer’s symptoms by removing amyloid plaques from the brain, which are key contributors to the disease.

While the UK regulator approved Lecanemab, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has released draft guidance suggesting it should not be provided through the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

Dementia Australia CEO, Professor Tanya Buchanan, expressed optimism about the potential approval of Lecanemab in Australia. “This treatment, though not suitable for everyone, represents a new hope for those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. We look forward to Australians having the option to access Lecanemab if clinically appropriate,” Professor Buchanan said. She added that while Lecanemab is not a cure, it is an important first step towards developing effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

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Sexual health of people living with dementia needs to be considered in aged care

At least some of the 50 sexual assaults reported in aged care homes every week under the Serious Incident Response Scheme may be consensual, according to US sexologist Dr Nathalie Huitema.

Dr Huitema, who advocates for universal sexual consent guidelines for people living with dementia in long term care, is a keynote speaker at the International Dementia Conference, to be held in Sydney on September 5 and 6, with an address, Sex on the brain – the battleground of consent, privacy and personal rights.

Due to ageism, sexual and intimate behaviour considered normal in broader society is often categorised as abnormal and unacceptable in residential aged care, she says.

Cognitive impairment accompanying dementia further complicates the question of consent.

“Older adults in long term care need an environment that affirms and promotes sexual health,” she said,

“So, it is crucial for care staff and managers to recognise their vital role in supporting the sexual health of residents.”

Dr Huitema, a US-based sexologist and psychologist, is a world leader in the development of guidelines for sexual consent for people living with dementia in residential aged care.

Unlawful sexual contact or inappropriate sexual conduct in residential aged care homes in Australia are reportable incidents under the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS).

Dr Huitema believes a significant number of the approximately 50 SIRS every week involving sex may be consensual. There were 2320 Priority 1 incidents for unlawful sexual contact or inappropriate sexual conduct in the most recent 2023-24 period.

“I advocate for a more dementia-friendly approach, where older adults with dementia are considered autonomous individuals with personal needs and wants,” she says from Massachusetts.

“Many people wrongly think that cognitive decline means you can’t give sexual consent.

“But studies show that the brain area responsible for attachment, love, and lust is actually quite basic, which challenges the idea that high-level thinking is needed for love and intimacy.

“I hope Australian healthcare is ready to focus on potential instead of deficits, promoting sexual well-being and overall quality of life.

“By understanding that individuals retain their emotional depth, we can better appreciate their full humanity, ensure they live with dignity and respect, and allow them to express their love and attachment to others.”

Dr Huitema acknowledges the change in attitudes to sexuality in residential care that she advocates calls for staff training, guidelines, implementation, time and effort.

“Staff training will enhance a positive attitude towards sexuality and guidelines will support staff in implementing a positive attitude to sexuality in daily work with residents, and family,” she said.

“We all need closeness, friendships, love, and intimacy, throughout our whole lifetime. Even in our golden years, even when we have cognitive issues.

“Sexual health is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of older adults, as it can elevate mood, improve cardiac health, and reduce pain, among other benefits.

“Depriving older adults of that seems almost counterproductive to what healthcare stands for.”

Dr Huitema’s interest in older people’s sexuality and rights arose when she worked as a psychologist in Netherlands nursing homes, leading to sexology training and her doctoral thesis on determinants of sexual consent for people living with dementia in long term care.

“As far as I know I’m the first person to do research on the determinants of sexual consent in older adults with dementia,” she said.

Dr Huitema will speak and lead a panel discussion at IDC2024 on September 5, Day 1 of the two-day international conference in Sydney.

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Health Experts Concerned as Whooping Cough Cases Hit Record High in NSW

Health authorities are urging Australians to ensure they are vaccinated as whooping cough cases surge across the country, with New South Wales recording its highest number of cases in over three decades. In July alone, NSW reported 2,490 whooping cough cases, the largest monthly total since records began in 1991. To put this in perspective, this is more than the total number of cases reported across Australia for the entirety of 2023.

Nationally, there have been over 19,300 cases of whooping cough so far this year, a figure already rivalling the last epidemic year in 2016, which saw 20,117 cases—and there are still five months left in the year.

Queensland was the first state to experience a sharp increase in cases late last year, followed by New South Wales. Now, other states like South Australia and Western Australia are also seeing cases surpass pre-pandemic levels, with health authorities warning that the outbreak could persist for several more months.

What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that initially presents with symptoms similar to a flu-like illness, including fever, cough, and fatigue. However, it can progress to severe coughing fits that may cause serious complications, especially in the elderly and young infants who have not yet been vaccinated. The infection can remain contagious for up to three weeks or until the patient completes a course of antibiotics.

What’s Driving the Severe Outbreak?

Experts suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted the usual cycle of whooping cough outbreaks. Associate Professor Dr. Philip Britton from the University of Sydney believes that the pandemic’s restrictions, including school shutdowns, likely reduced the spread of the disease while also slightly lowering vaccination rates. Typically, whooping cough sweeps the country every three to five years, but COVID-19 restrictions brought numbers to near zero in 2020 and 2021, delaying the outbreak by eight years.

Dr. Norelle Sherry, a medical microbiologist at the Doherty Institute, agrees that this “immunity debt” is contributing to the outbreak. She notes that the usual patterns of respiratory illnesses have been disrupted post-COVID, leading to simultaneous high rates of whooping cough, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.

The Severity of Whooping Cough

Known as the “100-day cough,” whooping cough can be a challenging illness for people of all ages, causing prolonged and severe coughing that impacts sleep and overall health. It is particularly dangerous for older adults and young infants, especially those under four weeks of age or who are premature. In these groups, the risk of death is significant, and the infection can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia.

How to Protect Your Family

Health experts are emphasizing the importance of vaccination as the primary means of protection. The vaccination schedule includes six doses throughout childhood, with additional recommendations for pregnant women, healthcare workers, childcare workers, and people over 65. Dr. Britton also suggests that anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated in the last five to 10 years should consider getting a booster, as the risk of whooping cough is expected to persist for several more months.

Identifying Whooping Cough

Distinguishing whooping cough from other respiratory illnesses can be difficult, as the early stages often resemble a common cold or flu. The classic symptom of whooping cough is a severe, rapid cough that can be followed by a “whooping” sound as the person gasps for air. However, this distinctive cough may not appear until several days into the illness. Testing is the most reliable way to diagnose whooping cough, especially in young children, and is recommended by health experts.

As the outbreak continues, health authorities are urging Australians to remain vigilant, get vaccinated, and seek medical advice if they suspect they or their children may have whooping cough.

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