New treatments infuse hope for slowing Alzheimer’s progression

Overview: Two new treatments for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease offer new hope for slowing its progression. While not a cure, these infusion drugs can delay cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s disease affects 6.9 million Americans.

Two new treatments for early Alzheimer’s disease offer hope during a time of significant advancements on the horizon for Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually, the ability to perform everyday tasks. It’s caused by damage to nerve cells in the brain.

If you have early symptoms from Alzheimer’s, your doctor may mention two new FDA-approved medications – lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla). Given as an infusion, they work best in the early stage of the disease.

The treatments can slow the decline from Alzheimer’s, prolonging independence and the ability to do daily activities without help, research shows.

When to see a doctor about memory loss

Bringing hope

“While not a cure, these treatments may bring new hope to families by slowing cognitive decline and preserving quality of life for a loved one with Alzheimer’s,” said MercyOne neurologist Heike Schmolck, MD. who specializes in memory disorders at MercyOne Ruan Neurology Care.

“At MercyOne, we provide personalized neurology care and the latest treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease. It’s important to talk to a neurologist to see if you qualify for one of these newer treatments and if they’re right for you.” 

The new infusion treatments work by helping to clear amyloid plaques in the brain, a feature of Alzheimer’s.  Amyloid is a protein your body produces naturally and is present in a healthy brain. Scientists believe excessive build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain may cause thinking or memory problems and contribute to the cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer’s. 

If you’re on one of these medications, you will be closely watched during and after infusions. You may experience delayed infusion reactions, such as fever, chills and muscle aches and may need to plan transportation for each infusion appointment. You’ll also have regular MRIs to monitor your brain for swelling or bleeding.

Lecanemab, approved by the FDA in 2023, is given every two weeks. Donanemab, approved by the FDA in 2024, is given every four weeks.

No cure yet

• Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated 6.9 million Americans. It’s the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases.
• Alzheimer’s begins 20 years or more before memory loss and other symptoms develop.
• More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with dementia, a contribution valued at nearly $350 billion.

Dr. Schmolck concluded, “Alzheimer’s is a very upsetting disease, and we now have two drugs to slow its progression for the first time in history. This will bring hope to many patients who recognize their symptoms early and their families.”

Many people with Alzheimer's disease cannot take lecanemab or donanemab because of several factors that increase the risk of serious side effects. Talk to your primary care provider about whether you should see a neurologist.