The quest for a cure or at least a significant treatment for Alzheimer's disease has been a long and arduous journey, with millions of families worldwide watching their loved ones fade away in the clutches of this devastating illness. So, when news of a 'miracle' drug called lecanemab emerged, promising to slow the progression of dementia, it was met with a mixture of hope and scepticism. However, recent reports from the United States that two patients have died from suspected side effects have cast a shadow over this new treatment, prompting experts to urge caution.


Lecanemab, an infusion drug designed to attack a toxic protein in the brain called amyloid, which is linked to dementia symptoms, has been shown in trials to slow the decline in brain function by approximately six months. Despite this breakthrough, the National Institute for Health and Social Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK has rejected the drug for NHS use, citing that the benefits are 'too small to justify the cost' and raising concerns about the need for serious side effect monitoring.


The drug's journey from clinical trials to the market has been fraught with controversy. In the trials, around one in ten participants experienced brain swelling, and one in six had small brain bleeds, which in rare cases led to life-threatening symptoms. Out of the 1,800 participants, three deaths were suspected to be linked to side effects. One of these was Genevieve Lane, a 79-year-old from Florida, who suffered a fatal seizure shortly after receiving her third dose of lecanemab. An autopsy suggested that the drug likely triggered the burst blood vessel that led to her death.


Despite these alarming incidents, lecanemab, which is sold under the brand name Leqembi and costs an estimated £20,000 a year, will now be available privately in the UK. Experts estimate that around 3,000 patients have begun treatment with the drug in the US since its approval by health officials in July 2023. However, with the recent deaths reported at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Philadelphia, there is growing concern about the safety of this treatment.

One of the deceased patients was reported to carry the APOE4 gene, which is known to increase the risk of brain bleeds and is present in about 15 per cent of Alzheimer's patients. This raises questions about the suitability of lecanemab for a significant subset of those suffering from the disease.

Professor Robert Howard, an expert in old age psychiatry at University College London's Institute of Mental Health, cautions that those who can afford the drug privately must weigh the potential benefits against the very real risks. 'People think it will buy them more time, but the data shows only a marginal benefit,' he says.


In the UK alone, there are one million Alzheimer's sufferers, and currently, no NHS treatments are capable of slowing the disease. Lecanemab and a similar drug called donanemab represent the first glimmers of hope in combating Alzheimer ''s-induced brain function loss. However, the administration of these drugs is not without its challenges. They require a hospital visit every two weeks, skilled staff to monitor for side effects, and a significant financial investment.

The NHS has expressed concerns about the cost and resource implications of these treatments, with estimates suggesting that rolling them out could cost the taxpayer £1 billion a year. Moreover, the drugs have been found to be effective only in the very earliest stages of the disease, and monitoring for potential side effects could consume a substantial amount of healthcare resources.

Eisai, the manufacturer of lecanemab, has responded to the reports of the second death by stating that the news outlet that first reported it acknowledged it as a rumour. The company maintains that it continues to meet its adverse event monitoring and reporting obligations in line with global regulatory requirements.


For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, the message is clear: while the development of treatments like lecanemab offers a ray of hope, it is crucial to approach them with caution. If you or a loved one is considering such a treatment, it is essential to have a thorough discussion with healthcare professionals about the potential benefits and risks. It's also important to stay informed about the latest research and reports on these drugs' safety and efficacy.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with dementia treatments. Have you or a loved one considered treatments like lecanemab? What factors influenced your decision? Join the conversation below and let us know how you navigate these complex and critical healthcare decisions.