Drug approval gives hope for people living with Alzheimer’s

Dementia Australia welcomes the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) registration of Leqembi (lecanemab) for use in Australia.  

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the approval provided hope for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

“This, along with the approval of Kisunla by the TGA earlier this year and the many other treatments currently being developed, heralds a new and exciting era for the treatment of dementia,” Professor Buchanan said.

“With dementia now the leading cause of death for Australians, we welcome any developments that can improve the lives of people living with dementia their families and carers.

“It is important to note that lecanemab does come with possible side effects that need to be carefully communicated to patients so they can make an informed choice, and the treatment needs to be monitored by health professionals.

“We also need to ensure people understand that lecanemab is not a cure and is only suitable for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease which is why it is so important for people to receive a timely diagnosis.”

Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Peter Duclos, who was recently diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease, said it was an exciting announcement.

“This is really positive news because it provides hope for people like me, who are living with dementia,” Mr Duclos said.

Professor Buchanan emphasised the need for Australia’s health systems to be ready for these drugs, which require substantial monitoring.  

“As this and other treatments become available in Australia, we need to ensure that our health systems are ready and to make sure that access to treatment is equitable and available to everyone.

“If this news raises any questions or concerns for anyone about their memory or changes in cognition, please do contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”

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Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated 433,300 Australians living with dementia, and the estimated 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.

For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au  

Media contacts: David Gear, David.gear@dementia.org.au, 0435 515 221

When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.

Note to Editors: We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:  

If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.