Lecanemab: What You Need to Know About the New Alzheimer’s Drug

There are more than 6 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. today. It impacts 1 in every 9 Americans over the age of 65, or more than 10 percent of the senior population in the country today.

Despite its prevalence, no cure currently exists for Alzheimer’s. However, new treatment programs and medications are constantly under development.

Perhaps the newest Alzheimer’s medication is called lecanemab. This promising new Alzheimer’s treatment has shown potential in trials to help individuals suffering from this degenerative disease.

If you or a loved one are suffering from Alzheimer’s, keep reading to learn what you need to know about lecanemab development, cost, and research.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. This means that it impacts the brain, affecting a person’s thinking, memory, and behaviors. While there are other types, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. In fact, it accounts for somewhere between 50 and 60 percent of all dementia cases.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s change as the disease progresses. Initially, an individual is likely to have trouble learning new information. Often, this symptom is overlooked, as forgetfulness is common anyway as we age and our brains change.

However, as the disease progresses, the symptoms get worse. Serious memory loss will occur, as well as confusion. This can become dangerous, especially if a person lives alone. They may lose their ability to drive safely, get lost in places they were once familiar with, or even wander away from their home.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s get progressively worse over time, causing the individual’s well-being and quality of life to decline as well. 

Over time, individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s often forget even those closest to them, such as their spouse or children. At the same time, while the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s may be obvious to others, those suffering from the disease may not realize that anything is wrong. This can sometimes cause them to resist seeking treatment.

Changes occur within the body during this time as well. Individuals may have trouble walking, standing, speaking, or even swallowing. This puts them at greater risk of injury and can even result in death.

Researchers aren’t yet sure what causes Alzheimer’s. However, they do know that it prevents the brain’s cells from functioning properly, causing more and more damage over time as the problems in the brain begin to pile up. Eventually, the damage to the brain does result in death.

What is Lecanemab?

Lecanemab is a brand-new medication for Alzheimer’s disease. The new drug was developed by Eisai Co. and Biogen Inc.

The company tested this new medication on 1,800 individuals during clinical trials. They released the results of these trials in October of 2022.

Following the trial, participants who were given lecanemab saw a 27 percent reduction in cognitive decline compared to trial participants who were given a placebo drug.

Lecanemab is designed to treat individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This includes individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

This drug is not currently designed to treat individuals who are already suffering from more severe decline and dementia.

Lecanemab isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s. However, any reduction in cognitive decline is good. This can help individuals to retain more of their abilities and memories as the disease progresses. This can mean more time that they are able to care for themselves, make memories with their loved ones, or even retain their ability to speak.

Side Effects of Lecanemab

The new drug did present some side effects. These include brain bleeds and swelling. Around 21 percent of participants experienced side effects while taking lecanemab, while 11 percent of individuals in the placebo group saw side effects.

While not overly common, these side effects are serious. As with any medication, it’s very important to consider the potential side effects and discuss them with your doctor before starting a new medication.

Is Lecanemab Available Today?

Lecanemab is not yet available to the public. Because the first round of clinical trials was recently completed, there will likely be additional testing before it goes to development. In addition, next year, the FDA will consider the drug for approval.

Only after this is completed will lecanemab become available to the public.

Lecanemab Cost

Because lecanemab is still in development, the cost of this drug is not yet available.

When lecanemab does become available, shopping for your medication online with a site like Canadian Pharmacy Online can help you make sure that you’re getting the best price!

Finding the Right Treatment Option for You or a Loved One

If you or a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, lecanemab may be a great option for you.

While the drug does have some side effects and is only for certain patients, it has shown some promise in helping to slow cognitive decline in individuals suffering from this difficult disease. Any amount of slowing of the advancement of dementia means a better quality of life. It also means more time that the individual can care for themselves and spend quality time with their loved ones.

Finding the right treatment and medication options for you or a loved one can be challenging. But an online pharmacy can help.

Canadian Pharmacy Online makes it easier than ever to get your prescriptions refilled and delivered straight to your door. Whether you have a prescription for lecanemab, another Alzheimer’s drug, or other medications, you’ll enjoy the cheapest prices and the ultimate convenience. No trips to the pharmacy to drop off and fill your prescriptions; everything is done online, and your medications are shipped straight to your front door.

Click here to learn how to upload your prescriptions to start enjoying convenient home delivery for all of your medications.

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers

https://www.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2022/10/04/what-you-need-to-know-about-possible-new-alzheimers-drug-lecanemab/69536725007/