News now of interest for those living with early stage Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment.

An Alzheimer’s drug that can slow the disease is getting backing from advisers at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The drug is donanemab from Eli Lily.

FDA experts say it’s ability to slow Alzheimer’s outweighs its risks, including side effects like brain swelling and bleeding that will have to be monitored.

One panel member thought the evidence in the trial in people with mild dementia was very strong.

The slowdown in Alzheimer’s seen in the tests amounts to several months.

Experts disagree on whether patients or their loved ones will be able to detect the difference.

A final decision by the FDA is expected later this month.

If approved, donanemab would be the second Alzheimer’s drug cleared for use. The other is Leqembi, from a Japanese drug maker.

Here in this country, Health Canada is currently reviewing both Leqembi and donanemab to treat early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease.