New Alzheimer's drug: only a few eligible for treatment

It is estimated that less than one in ten people with dementia are eligible for treatment with Lecanemab or Leqembi, the slowing agent that is still allowed on the European market by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Nevertheless, the director of Alzheimer Nederland, Gerjoke Wilmink, is pleased with the approval of the drug, even though it has a modest effect.

"In twenty years' time, we will remember this day as a very important first step in the treatment of dementia. I am convinced of that," says Wilmink.

Before the drug can be used in the Netherlands, an extensive procedure is still needed. That is why Alzheimer Nederland calls for a fast track "so that patients and their families are not unnecessarily in uncertainty for a long time".

No false hope

"Lecanemab effectively removes harmful proteins in the brain and the average patient deteriorates less rapidly," the foundation explains. However, it does not want to give false hope. "People with a form of dementia other than Alzheimer's do not benefit from this drug," says Wilmink. "In addition, the study looked at patients who are relatively young, without other conditions such as cardiovascular diseases. This means that it is estimated that less than one in ten people with dementia are eligible for treatment."

The drug is also not suitable for people with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's, the foundation says.