MS Study Finds Fewer Alzheimer’s Diagnoses With One Drug

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Key Takeaway

In a large study of medical records, older people with MS who had received natalizumab had fewer recorded Alzheimer’s diagnoses, but the study cannot show that the drug prevented Alzheimer’s.

What They Found

Researchers reviewed medical records for more than 875,000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Among them, 9,095 had an Alzheimer’s diagnosis recorded after age 65. The researchers compared Alzheimer’s diagnoses across groups who had received different MS treatments. The group treated with natalizumab had the lowest recorded rate, at 0.13%, or about 13 in 10,000. Natalizumab limits the movement of certain immune cells into the brain and spinal cord, but this study did not test whether that action explains the finding.

Who Should Care and Why

Older adults with MS and their caregivers may find this study useful when talking with a care team about brain health. It raises a question about whether an MS treatment could be linked to Alzheimer’s risk, but it does not answer that question yet. If memory or thinking changes are affecting daily life, tell a healthcare provider rather than assuming they are a normal part of MS or aging. A provider can help look for possible causes and discuss next steps. This finding alone is not a reason to start, stop, or switch an MS treatment.

Important Considerations

The study looked at existing medical records, so it cannot prove that natalizumab caused the lower rate of Alzheimer’s diagnoses. The data were grouped together, which limited the researchers’ ability to check how individual patients differed in age, health, or treatment history. The study counted recorded diagnoses, not every case of Alzheimer’s, so the numbers may not reflect everyone who had the disease.

AI-generated summary — for informational purposes only, not medical advice

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Treatment Updates MS Progression Living with MS

Article Topics:

Alzheimer’s diseaseimmune cell traffickingmultiple sclerosisnatalizumab

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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