The AMBAR (Alzheimer Management by Albumin Replacement) study explored a unique treatment approach that involves removing and replacing a portion of a person’s blood plasma—known as plasma exchange—to see if it might help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers tested this procedure in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s, aiming to filter out and replace specific proteins in the blood that may contribute to memory and thinking problems. By replacing old plasma with fresh fluids containing albumin (a protein found in blood), the researchers hoped to reduce the buildup of harmful substances thought to play a role in Alzheimer’s.

The initial findings suggest that this type of therapy could offer a new avenue for slowing the disease’s impact on memory and daily functioning.