A controversial Alzheimer's surgery claims to reverse symptoms — here's what scientists know
A controversial Alzheimer's surgery is said to reverse symptoms
A surgical procedure called deep cervical lymphatic-venous anastomosis (dcLVA) is being performed on Alzheimer's patients, mostly in China, despite lacking solid evidence. The surgery connects neck lymph vessels to veins to improve brain waste drainage. Early results show some cognitive improvements, but many researchers are skeptical about its durability and mechanism. Chinese regulators have restricted it to formal clinical research, and the pioneer surgeon is detained. Controlled studies are now underway worldwide.
“The hope is high,” he says, “and whenever hope is high, the hype also follows.”