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Bibi Kulsoom,1 Nasir Ali Afsar2 1Department of Biochemistry, 2Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Background: Contemporary literature suggests that medical education might adversely affect students’ mental health. Alfaisal University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is a developing institution; hence, there has been a concern regarding the mental well-being of the students.Objectives: This study was designed to assess the traits of depression, anxiety, and stress among students in relation to potential underlying reasons.Methods: All 575 medical students across the 5 years of study participated by filling out the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) questionnaire anonymously twice. Firstly, 2–3 weeks before a major examination (pre-examination), and secondly, during regular classes (post-examination). Correlation was sought regarding sex, year of scholarship, attendance of a premedical university preparatory program (UPP), housing, and smoking. Subjective comments from students were also obtained.Results: A total of 76.8% and 74.9% of students participated in pre- and post-examination groups, respectively. The majority were the children of expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia, and included Arabs, South Asians, and North Americans. Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was high (43%, 63%, and 41%, respectively) which reduced (to 30%, 47%, and 30%, respectively) to some extent after examinations. Saudis and those who had attended UPP had higher DASS-21 scores. Smoking and female sex predicted higher levels of “baseline” depression, anxiety, or stress. The students perceived the curriculum and schedule to be the primary causes of their high DASS-21 scores.Conclusion: The students had high “baseline” traits of depression, anxiety, and stress, and these were higher if an examination was near, especially among Saudis and those who had attended UPP. Smoking and female sex predicted higher levels of “baseline” depression, anxiety, or stress. Students suggested that study burden and a busy schedule were the major reasons for their high DASS-21 scores. Keywords: DASS, examination, medical education, smoking, depression, anxiety, stress

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition that causes cognitive decline, memory loss, and reduced personal autonomy. The pathology of AD involves the aggregation of abnormal brain proteins, specifically beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, disrupting neuronal communication and leading to the loss of brain cells. Aducanumab, a monoclonal antibody, demonstrates promise in clinical trials by selectively binding to aggregated amyloid-beta, leading to a notable decrease in plaque burden and potential cognitive benefits. However, regulatory approval for aducanumab remains controversial. Lecanemab and donanemab are recent additions to the AD’s treatment landscape, both targeting aggregated amyloid-beta. Lecanemab shares similarities with aducanumab in its mechanism of action, while donanemab employs a distinct approach by binding to a specific truncated form of amyloid-beta. Positive outcomes have been observed in early-stage clinical trials for both drugs, demonstrating a reduction in amyloid-beta plaques. While aducanumab’s approval offers hope for AD’s treatment, ongoing studies on lecanemab and donanemab are imperative for a comprehensive understanding of their potential in disease modification. Here, we show in this review the potential AD treatments, with a focus on their primary action targeting the reduction of amyloid-beta plaques ultimately giving a broader insight on the topic. The review emphasizes the necessity for long-term efficacy and safety data to assess the overall impact of these drugs on cognitive decline and functional outcomes for future researchers to endeavor. In conclusion, the development of amyloid-beta targeting monoclonal antibodies represents a significant stride in AD’s treatment, demanding further investigation to ascertain their true potential and role in the therapeutic arsenal for this challenging condition.