Question 168 of 433
Do the new Alzheimer’s drugs work?
The short answer
They slow decline modestly in early disease. They do not stop or reverse it, and they carry real risks.
Two antibody drugs, lecanemab and donanemab, clear amyloid plaque from the brain. In trials they slowed decline by roughly a quarter to a third over eighteen months. Families ask me whether that is noticeable. For some, it buys several more months of independence. For others, the difference is hard to see.
The main risk is brain swelling or small bleeds, usually without symptoms but occasionally serious, and more common in people with two copies of APOE4 or on blood thinners. Treatment requires regular MRI scans. One of the drugs can now be given entirely as a weekly injection at home, which removes the burden of infusion visits.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST HUMAN TRIALS — Eligible early Alzheimer’s patients: modestly slower average decline with ARIA risk; no cure.Evidence grade (draft mapping)ARobust human trialsPart 12, Q168 · Sources: R15
Sources cited
- R15 Eisai. FDA Approves LEQEMBI IQLIK Subcutaneous Injection as an Initiation Dose for Early Alzheimer’s Disease. July 13, 2026. Link pending verification
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.