Hong Kong researchers join the vital race against Alzheimer’s
Breakthrough screening methods and trials of a groundbreaking surgical procedure offer fresh hope for early intervention
Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, is a global ageing disease for which scientists worldwide are seeking a cure or prevention, while trying to develop drugs to delay or slow the onset of symptoms. Dementia is so prevalent – nearly one in 10 Hongkongers over 60 suffers from it – that groundbreaking progress on either front could be a public health event with socio-economic implications, including a longer life expectancy, not to mention the life-changing impact on patients and carers.
A surgical procedure for Alzheimer’s disease being tested in Hong Kong has the potential to make a real difference to patients by improving their ability to take care of basic needs, such as getting dressed and remaining socially engaged.
Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) are running clinical trials on the procedure, which involves an operation to drain an abnormal build-up of two protein types in the brain – tau and myeloid – that damage brain cells and contribute to cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s is characterised by a build-up of these two proteins.
The method is not new, having been pioneered by a mainland doctor in Hangzhou as long ago as 2018 and popularised by social media videos showing dramatic improvement of patients. But mainland health authorities have banned its unregulated use in hospitals, pending resolution of uncertainty about its safety and effectiveness.
CUHK researchers should be commended for taking the next step. Last year, the team obtained approval from a joint CUHK-Hospital Authority clinical research ethics committee to hold clinical trials under strict scientific controls and has recruited four suitable patients so far. One has improved so markedly that his wife describes him as a “completely new person”.
Short of a confirmed, clinically proven breakthrough, any advances that slow the progress of the disease – such as an earlier diagnosis enabling more timely treatment – can also make a difference. Many people are unaware they have the disease.