Treatments
Lecanemab (Leqembi)
Lecanemab is one of the first FDA-approved infusions that clears amyloid plaques from the brain. It's not a cure — it slows decline modestly in early Alzheimer's.
Updated 2026-02-15
How it works
Lecanemab is a monoclonal antibody. Given by IV every two weeks, it sticks to amyloid plaques and signals the immune system to clear them. Clinical trials showed roughly 27% slower decline over 18 months in early-stage Alzheimer's.
Who qualifies
- Confirmed early-stage Alzheimer's (mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia).
- Amyloid biomarker positive — either PET scan or cerebrospinal fluid result.
- No history of recent stroke, brain bleed, or active anticoagulation in some clinics.
- Able to attend infusions every two weeks and tolerate frequent MRIs.
Side effects to know
- ARIA — amyloid-related imaging abnormalities. Roughly 12–17% of patients show brain swelling or microbleeds on MRI. Most cases are mild and symptom-free; some are serious.
- Higher risk for people with two copies of the APOE-ε4 gene.
- Infusion reactions — chills, nausea, headache — usually first dose.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Medicare cover Leqembi?
- Yes — Medicare Part B covers it for eligible patients with amyloid confirmation and ongoing safety monitoring.
- Is Donanemab the same?
- Different drug, same class (anti-amyloid). Donanemab (Kisunla) is monthly and stops once amyloid is cleared. Roughly similar slowing of decline.
- Will my mom recognize me longer if she takes it?
- Possibly — the slower decline is real but modest. Most families report subtle stability rather than dramatic improvement.
Every dementia journey is different.
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Treatments
Donanemab (Kisunla)
Donanemab is the second FDA-approved amyloid-clearing infusion for early Alzheimer's. Unlike Lecanemab, it stops once amyloid is cleared from the brain.
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