Alzheimer's Disease | Anavex Life Sciences

Alzheimer’s Disease

Advancing groundbreaking therapies to tackle the challenges of neurodegenerative and rare conditions.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible brain disorder that slowly erodes memory, cognitive abilities, and essential functions for independent living. It is the most common form of dementia and poses significant emotional, physical, and financial challenges for individuals and their families.

On a Deeper Level

Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the abnormal build-up of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. These changes interfere with the communication between neurons, ultimately leading to cell death. The disease typically begins with mild memory loss and progresses to severe cognitive decline, language difficulties, disorientation, and behavioral changes. Over time, individuals lose their ability to perform everyday tasks, requiring full-time care in advanced stages. While the exact causes of Alzheimer’s are not fully understood, a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors is believed to contribute to its onset and progression. Key risk factors include age, family history, and certain health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease develop gradually and worsen over time. They include:

Memory loss: Forgetting recent events, names, or conversations.
Difficulty planning or solving problems: Struggling to follow instructions or manage complex tasks.
Confusion with time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, or current locations.
Trouble understanding visual or spatial relationships: Difficulty reading, judging distance, or recognizing faces.
Changes in mood and personality: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or withdrawal.
Challenges with language: Forgetting common words or repeating phrases frequently.

These symptoms significantly impact an individual’s daily life, relationships, and independence.

How many are affected by this condition?

Prevalence

Alzheimer’s Disease currently affects an estimated 6 million Americans and over 50 million people globally. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and its prevalence is expected to grow as the global population ages. By 2050, the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is projected to more than double, posing a substantial public health and economic challenge.

Insights and Data

Alzheimer’s Disease is responsible for 60-80% of all dementia cases worldwide (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024).
Women are disproportionately affected, accounting for nearly two-thirds of diagnosed cases.
The global economic cost of Alzheimer’s and dementia exceeds $1 trillion annually (World Health Organization, 2024).

Our Approach

Anavex’s approach to Alzheimer’s Disease is rooted in innovative science and patient-centered care. By activating SIGMAR1, ANAVEX®2-73 promotes neuroprotection and reduces inflammation, addressing the underlying mechanisms of the disease. Our goal is to intervene early, preserving brain function and delaying the progression of symptoms. This targeted approach represents a promising step toward a future where Alzheimer’s Disease is more manageable and less devastating for individuals and their families.

Clinical Progress

Anavex’s groundbreaking candidate, ANAVEX®2-73 (blarcamesine), offers a new approach to treating Alzheimer’s Disease. This small molecule therapy targets the sigma-1 receptor (SIGMAR1) to restore cellular balance and protect neurons from stress and degeneration. Phase 2b/3 clinical trials have shown encouraging results, with significant improvements in cognitive and functional measures. ANAVEX®2-73 has the potential to slow disease progression and enhance the quality of life for patients.

PRECLINICAL

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

ANAVEX® 2-73 (Blarcamesine)

An investigational therapy being studied for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Rett syndrome.

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ANAVEX® 2-73-AD-004

ANAVEX® 3-71 (AF710B)

Currently in preclinical evaluation for neurodegenerative conditions.

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ANAVEX® 3-71-001