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The 2021 AMBAR (Alzheimer’s Management by Albumin Replacement) study investigated the effects of plasma exchange (PE) with albumin replacement on neuropsychological, neuropsychiatric, and quality-of-life outcomes in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The study involved 347 patients divided into a placebo group and three PE treatment groups with varying doses of albumin and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

Key findings included:

1. Cognitive Improvements: Patients with mild AD showed improvements in language fluency and processing speed, while those with moderate AD exhibited better short-term verbal memory. These effects were particularly notable in the high-albumin+IVIG group.
2. Quality of Life (QoL): Mild AD patients reported improvements in quality of life, as measured by both patient and caregiver ratings, at month 14 of the study.
3. Neuropsychiatric Stability: The PE treatment did not worsen neuropsychiatric symptoms or depression, suggesting it may be a stable intervention without significant negative effects on mental health status.

These results suggest that plasma exchange with albumin could be a promising therapeutic approach to slowing cognitive decline and improving quality of life in AD patients, though further research is needed to explore long-term efficacy and specific mechanisms.