A controversial Alzheimer’s surgery is said to reverse symptoms — here’s what scientists know

A man in his 80s, suffering from Alzheimer's disease, underwent a rare surgery known as deep cervical lymphatic-venous anastomosis (dcLVA) in China. The procedure involved connecting lymphatic vessels in the neck to veins, allowing fluid and waste proteins to flow more easily into the bloodstream. After several months, the man displayed remarkable improvement, becoming alert, engaging in conversation, and even reciting an old military anthem from memory.

This surgery, first reported in 2022, gained global attention when lymphatic microsurgeon Wei Chen showcased the footage at international surgical meetings. Due to the lack of evidence, Chinese regulators later limited the procedure to clinical research settings. The scientific community remains divided on the procedure's effectiveness, with some researchers expressing concerns about risks such as infection, bleeding, and nerve injury.

While the concept is scientifically valid and biologically plausible, excitement has outpaced the evidence, according to experts. The surgery, initially developed to address a different issue, sparked curiosity due to a patient's improvement in tinnitus and mental acuity.