Here’s good news for any of us who fear we may have dementia.

It’s good news also for anyone in Lexington County whose loved ones show early signs of it.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug aducanumab to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

The drug is the 1st to show significant progress against the sticky brain plaques that cause Alzheimer’s disease.

The drug reduces the plaques, called beta-amyloid, in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s.

It’s not yet clear if the drug slows progression of the disease. Research shows conflicting evidence about whether the treatment slows declines in memory and thinking.

The FDA requires Biogen, the drug’s maker, to conduct another clinical study to confirm that the reduction of amyloid plaques results in clinical improvement for patients.

If the subsequent study doesn’t show a clinical improvement, the agency could move to withdraw the approval.

Biogen and Eisai, the companies marketing the drug, are concerned they may not find enough patients to participate in its next clinical trials.

Patients might not want to risk getting the placebo and can get the drug without being in a study.

The medicine will be marketed under the trade name Aduhelm. Check with your pharmacist or doctor for more information.