Dementia is a word that strikes fear into the hearts of many Australians, especially those who may have seen its effects up close, whether in a parent, partner, or friend.
While memory loss is the most well-known symptom, it’s often the changes in personality, agitation, and aggression that prove most distressing for families and carers.
These behaviours can turn daily life into a minefield, leaving loved ones feeling helpless and exhausted.
But there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon, and it’s coming from our own backyard. An innovative new drug, developed right here in Australia, is being trialled across several states.
The drug could revolutionise the way we manage the challenging symptoms of dementia, without the heavy sedation that has plagued previous treatments.
A new approach to an old problem
Traditionally, when dementia patients become agitated or aggressive, doctors have had few options.
Antipsychotic medications are sometimes prescribed, but these come with a laundry list of side effects—drowsiness, increased risk of falls, and even a higher chance of stroke or death. For many, these drugs are a last resort, used only when all other strategies have failed.
Associate Professor Michael Woodward, Director of the Austin Health Aged Care and Memory Clinic, puts it bluntly: ‘We think of dementia as a loss of memory, but that’s nowhere near as difficult or frustrating to look after than changes in personality and behaviour, including agitation and aggression.’
Enter KNX100, a new drug designed to target the root causes of these distressing behaviours—without simply knocking patients out.
‘We need smart medications that don’t just sedate a person, don’t just chemically restrain them,’ says Associate Professor Woodward. And that’s exactly what this new treatment aims to deliver.
How does KNX100 work?
KNX100 is the result of years of research at the University of Sydney, now being developed by the spin-out company Kinoxis Therapeutics.
Unlike traditional antipsychotics, KNX100 works by interfering with a specific enzyme in the brain that’s linked to the signalling pathways responsible for agitation and aggression.
In earlier trials, the drug has already been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, a promising sign for those hoping for a gentler alternative.
Dr Peter de Wet, the principal investigator for the trial, explains: ‘It’s important that we’re able to develop new treatments that are targeted and that don’t have the side-effects, particularly drowsiness, that we encounter with current medications.’
Who can take part in the trial?
The current trial is recruiting 60 dementia patients who are living at home, across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
This is significant, as most previous studies have focused on patients in residential care. By targeting those still living in the community, researchers hope to make a real difference in the lives of both patients and their families.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating, information for Queensland residents is available on the University of the Sunshine Coast website, while those in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia can find details on the study’s dedicated website.
Why this matters for Australian families
Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability and dependency among older Australians.
According to Dementia Australia, nearly half a million Australians are living with dementia, and that number is expected to double in the next 25 years.
The emotional and financial toll on families and the healthcare system is immense.
Current treatments for behavioural symptoms are far from perfect. Non-drug interventions—like music therapy, exercise, and changes to the environment—can help, but they don’t always work for everyone.
When things escalate, families are often left with the heartbreaking choice between a loved one’s safety and their quality of life.
A medication that can ease agitation and aggression without turning patients into ‘zombies’ could be a game-changer. As Hugh Alsop, CEO of Kinoxis Therapeutics, says: ‘We’re providing a solution that we believe is a significant unmet need. We aim to further develop and invest in this to take it as far as possible towards approval.’
Looking ahead: What’s next for KNX100?
While it’s still early days, the results of this trial could pave the way for a new standard of care for dementia patients—not just in Australia, but around the world.
If successful, KNX100 could offer hope to millions of families struggling with the daily realities of dementia.
Of course, as with any new treatment, it’s important to approach with cautious optimism. More research is needed, and it will be some time before KNX100 is widely available.
But for now, it’s a step in the right direction—and a reminder that Australian innovation is alive and well.
Have your say
Have you or a loved one experienced the behavioural symptoms of dementia? What strategies have you found helpful, or not so helpful? Would you consider a new medication like KNX100 if it became available? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Your stories could help others navigate the same journey.
Also read: Could AI be the key to catching dementia early? Here’s what experts say
