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Steve Macfarlane, Head of Clinical Services, Dementia Support Australia, & Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Monash University

What is lecanemab, the newly approved Alzheimer’s drug? Can it really slow down dementia?

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Dementia is a condition that results in progressive memory or thinking problems. It’s now the most common cause of death in Australia. There are many different causes of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease accounts for around 60–80% of all cases.

Last week, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved a new drug for early Alzheimer’s diseases: lecanemab, sold under the brand name Leqembi. It follows the approval of a similar drug, donanemab, earlier this year.

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