Lecanemab and donanemab introduced to slow Alzheimer's progression

New monoclonal antibody treatments, lecanemab and donanemab, are being utilized to slow the progression of early-stage Alzheimer's disease. These therapies target beta-amyloid proteins that form plaques in the brain. Clinical data indicates these treatments can slow cognitive and functional decline by approximately 20% to 30% over an 18-month period.

HM Sanchinarro University Hospital in Spain has already begun administering these therapies, with several patients having started treatment as of mid-October. The neurology team, led by Dr. Natalia Barbero, began administering donanemab in August and lecanemab in September.

While these biological therapeutics offer a way to reduce the speed of cognitive deterioration, they do not cure the disease or reverse existing brain damage. Use of these drugs requires strict medical supervision, including individualized neurological evaluations and regular MRI monitoring to manage risks such as cerebral edema and microhemorrhages. Administration is strictly contraindicated for patients receiving anticoagulants.