For Alzheimer’s sufferers and their families seeking alternative options, recent developments in China regarding Deep Cervical Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis (LVA) surgery offer a glimmer of hope. This microsurgical procedure aims to improve the brain’s “waste disposal system” by enhancing lymphatic drainage, potentially slowing or even reversing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Understanding the Procedure: LVA for Alzheimer’s Disease
Traditionally, LVA has been used to treat lymphedema, a condition involving swelling due to blocked lymphatic drainage. The application to Alzheimer’s stems from growing research indicating that impaired lymphatic function in the brain may contribute to the accumulation of harmful proteins like amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau, which are hallmarks of AD.
The surgery involves connecting lymphatic vessels in the neck directly to veins, thereby creating a bypass to facilitate the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) from the brain. The theory is that by improving this drainage, the buildup of toxic proteins can be reduced, leading to improved cognitive function.
Case Applications and Promising Early Results from Chinese Hospitals
While the long-term efficacy and broader applicability of LVA for AD are still under investigation through rigorous clinical trials, several hospitals in China have reported promising early outcomes:
Binzhou Central Hospital (Binzhou, Shandong): As highlighted in the initial report, on June 1, 2025, this hospital successfully performed LVA on a 61-year-old female AD patient with Stage 5 AD. Post-surgery, the patient reportedly showed significant improvement in her mental state. This was highlighted as a “new breakthrough” for the hospital in treating cognitive disorders.
Binzhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital (Binzhou, Shandong): In late 2024 and early 2025, several reports emerged from various Chinese medical institutions, including this one, indicating a growing trend in applying LVA for AD. These reports often highlight subjective improvements in patients’ cognitive function and daily living activities.
Shandong First Medical University Third Affiliated Hospital (Jinan, Shandong): Similar to Binzhou, this hospital has also reported successful LVA surgeries for AD patients, contributing to the increasing body of anecdotal evidence within China.
Ningbo No. 2 Hospital (Ningbo, Zhejiang): In November 2024, this hospital reported a 76-year-old moderate AD patient who underwent LVA. The hospital stated that the patient’s symptoms significantly improved, with memory notably recovering and the ability to communicate normally with people during a two-month follow-up.
Xi’an Jiaotong University First Affiliated Hospital (Xi’an, Shaanxi): In February 2025, a team of experts at this hospital successfully performed ultra-microsurgical deep cervical lymphaticovenous anastomosis on a 78-year-old AD patient.
Aviation General Hospital (Beijing): In March 2025, the Neurosurgery Department of Aviation General Hospital, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, successfully performed LVA on an 80-year-old female AD patient. Post-surgery, the patient’s cognitive function and memory significantly improved, with family members reporting clearer recollections and smoother communication.
Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (Changsha, Hunan): In March 2024, Professor Tang Juyu’s team successfully performed the first case of deep cervical lymphatic-venous anastomosis for Alzheimer’s disease at this hospital. The patient showed good recovery after the 4.5-hour surgery.
These cases, primarily from China, represent a growing clinical interest and application of LVA for Alzheimer’s disease. The reported improvements often include better memory, cognitive function, and overall mental state.
Current Status and Outlook
It’s crucial for Alzheimer’s sufferers and their families to understand the current status of LVA as a treatment for AD:
Early Stages of Research: While promising, LVA for AD is still in its early stages of clinical application and research. Most reported successes are from single-center, prospective, single-arm exploratory studies or case reports, often with small sample sizes and limited long-term follow-up data.
Need for Rigorous Clinical Trials: The scientific community emphasizes the need for large-scale, multicenter, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to objectively assess the safety, efficacy, and long-term benefits of LVA in managing AD. Several such trials are currently registered in China (e.g., ChiCTR2500095309, aiming for 85 patients with moderate-to-severe neurodegenerative dementia).
Potential Mechanisms: The underlying mechanism for LVA’s potential benefit in AD is believed to be the enhancement of brain waste clearance through improved lymphatic drainage, reducing the accumulation of Aβ and tau proteins. This aligns with a relatively new understanding of the brain’s lymphatic system.
Possible Side Effects and Risks: As with any surgical procedure, LVA carries inherent risks, including surgical complications like infection, hemorrhage, lymphatic leakage, and potential transient postoperative cognitive issues (e.g., confusion or delirium) due to anesthesia or cerebrovascular stress. The long-term effects of chronic lymphatic-venous shunting on brain homeostasis are still uncertain and require further investigation.
For individuals seeking options, it is vital to consult with their healthcare providers to discuss the latest research and treatment options available to them. While LVA presents an exciting new frontier, it is not yet a widely established or definitively proven cure for Alzheimer’s disease outside of ongoing clinical research. Further developments from these clinical trials will be critical in determining the broader role of LVA in the future of Alzheimer’s treatment. https://www.facebook.com/jeff.mah.5/videos/673499595846411/?__cft__[0]=AZUeGTBn9iu5A991xpJ93bHr92xfhXqcBy6PrVP6cUtXJu3G3qDlJCrWY94Onxd99RJqW6U5eJFVfrJl9pg2x6oqlUnI2t7D3DwZsksiZzkDgKDW-4qBjAbcV66DeecW-bu1uA4ao39dZAafu_xvnFY7w6fjE2boD0JsFyRxFUx3Ag&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R