A clinical trial underway in Hong Kong is testing a surgical approach aimed at improving daily functioning in patients with Alzheimer’s disease by addressing abnormal protein build-up in the brain. The trial, led by researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), seeks to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a procedure that drains excess tau and amyloid proteins, which are believed to contribute to cognitive decline in the disorder.
The surgical technique, known as lymphaticovenous anastomosis, involves connecting lymphatic vessels to nearby veins to help clear the accumulation of these proteins. Originally developed to treat lymphedema, a condition characterized by impaired lymphatic drainage and limb swelling, the procedure was first applied to Alzheimer’s patients in Hangzhou, China, around 2018. It quickly gained attention across the country after social media posts documented notable improvements in some patients following the surgery.
Despite such anecdotal reports, concerns regarding the procedure’s efficacy and safety led China’s National Health Commission to prohibit its unregulated use in July 2025, pending further scientific evidence. Researchers at CUHK received official approval last year to conduct controlled clinical trials and have since enrolled four patients.
One patient, 72-year-old Mr. Ho, diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer’s about ten years ago, underwent the operation in September 2025. His wife, who is also his primary caregiver, reported significant changes following the surgery, describing him as noticeably more alert and socially responsive. She said that while improvements peaked around six months post-operation and some mild decline had returned, his overall condition remained better than before the procedure, alleviating some caregiving challenges.
Dr. Tor Chiu, an honorary associate professor of surgery at CUHK and part of the research team, emphasized the potential significance of even modest improvements for Alzheimer’s patients, noting the lack of current treatments capable of reversing or halting disease progression. He highlighted that the trial is carefully controlled to provide rigorous data on whether the operation can safely enhance cognitive and functional abilities.
Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia worldwide, progressively impairs memory, thinking, and the capacity to perform daily tasks. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people with dementia is projected to rise from 57 million in 2021 to 153 million by 2050. In Hong Kong, nearly 10 percent of individuals aged 60 or older are affected.
Dr. Ting Wen-ching, an assistant professor of surgery involved in the trial, encouraged patients and their families interested in learning more to contact the CUHK research team directly. The study remains ongoing, with researchers continuing to recruit participants and monitor outcomes to better understand the potential role of this surgical intervention in managing Alzheimer’s disease.