The AMBAR (Alzheimer Management by Albumin Replacement) study by Grifols demonstrated that plasma exchange (PE) with albumin and immunoglobulin replacement could delay cognitive and functional decline in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Over a 14-month period, 347 patients received PE treatment, which involved six weeks of weekly PE sessions followed by 12 months of monthly low-volume PE. Key findings included:
- Cognitive and Functional Decline: Moderate AD patients showed significant improvement in Activities of Daily Living (52% less decline) and cognitive scores (66% less decline), with more stability in measures like the Clinical Dementia Rating and Global Impression of Change.
- Safety: While most PE procedures were uneventful, 10.6% had adverse events, with central venous access showing a higher rate of events than peripheral access.
- Treatment Effectiveness: The highest improvements were seen in patients with moderate AD, while mild AD patients showed less benefit.
The study supports PE with albumin and IVIG as a promising approach to slow AD progression, though further large-scale studies are recommended to confirm efficacy and safety.
