New research explores potential Alzheimer’s causes and treatments

In recent years, after decades of tireless work, false starts and dashed hopes, the first effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease have been developed.

Donanemab and Lecanemab, which have both been shown to be effective in delaying the emergence of symptoms for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, were approved for use in Australia last year by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

While they are only suitable for those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and come with possible side effects, they represent an exciting step forward in the quest for a cure.

Both treatments work by targeting the build up of amyloid beta in the brain, the presence of which is a major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to Donanemab and Lecanemab, there are many other treatments targeting amyloid in the brain being developed by researchers around the world.

Other avenues towards a cure

Targeting amyloid is just one avenue of treatment and researchers globally are exploring a range of other options in the search for a cure.

One such researcher is Florey Institute Senior Research Officer Dr Francesca Alves, who was recently awarded the Race Against Dementia Post-Doctoral Fellowship worth $735,000 by the Dementia Australia Research Foundation

Rather than targeting amyloid beta, Dr Alves is focused on the way cells in the brain produce energy and if problems with energy production may be the cause of Alzheimer’s disease.

“Alzheimer’s disease is an incredibly complex condition and we need to be considering every possible angle and avenue to develop treatments,” Dr Alves said.

“My project is specifically looking at how brain cells struggle to produce enough energy to stay healthy and do their jobs properly in Alzheimer’s disease,” she said.  

“This energy failure may be a key reason why cells become damaged and die, leading to memory loss and other symptoms. Yet, most current treatments do not address this problem.

“With this project we will develop a new brain scan that can measure energy production in the brain.”

Dr Alves said that, if successful, it could also aid in early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

“The final part of the project will be developing and testing a new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease by delivering energy directly into brain cells,” she said.

Dr Alves’ project was just one of 23 that shared in more than $4 million in Dementia Australia Research Foundation’s 2025 grant round.

How you can support dementia research

The Dementia Australia Research Foundation acknowledges the generosity of donors who contribute each and every year to support dementia research and the grants program.

Since 2000, almost $40 million in funding has supported more than 400 projects through the Dementia Grants Program.

The Dementia Australia Research Foundation relies on financial support from generous individuals and organisations committed to investment in dementia research.

If you would like to help us to support more research into dementia with projects just like this one, you can donate to dementia research.

For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.