Alzheimer’s disease deeply affects both cognitive abilities and daily life, turning simple tasks into significant challenges for those who are diagnosed.
This progressive illness doesn’t just impact the individual; it also places a heavy emotional and physical strain on caregivers who dedicate themselves to supporting their loved ones every step of the way.
In recent years, advancements in medical research have introduced new Alzheimer’s treatments aimed at addressing the underlying causes of the disease, offering hope for better management of the disease.
Donanemab is one such breakthrough, specifically approved for treating early-stage Alzheimer’s. This innovative drug targets beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which are believed to play a key role in the progression of Alzheimer’s.
By understanding how Donanemab works and its potential benefits, caregivers and their loved ones can make informed decisions about their treatment options.
At Kensington Place Redwood City, we are committed to keeping our community informed about the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s care and ensuring that caregivers and their loved ones have access to the best possible resources and support.
What is Donanemab?
Donanemab (doh-NAN-ee-mab) is a newly approved drug designed to treat early Alzheimer’s disease.
The drug targets beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which are believed to contribute significantly to the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s.
By focusing on these plaques, Donanemab aims to slow the progression of the disease and help patients maintain their cognitive functions longer.
Donanemab’s action against Alzheimer’s
Donanemab (Kisunla™) targets beta-amyloid plaques, abnormal protein deposits found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. These plaques disrupt cell function and are closely linked to the progression of the disease.
Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody similar to Leqembi, a drug designed to bind specifically to these plaques.
By attaching to a form of beta-amyloid known as N3pG, Donanemab marks the plaques for removal by the body’s immune system. This process helps to clear the plaques from the brain, potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s.
In clinical trials, Donanemab has shown promise in reducing the buildup of these harmful plaques more quickly than some other treatments. This helps preserve cognitive abilities and daily functioning in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s.
Regular administration through IV infusions every four weeks ensures that the drug remains effective in maintaining these benefits over time.
The clinical benefits of Donanemab
Donanemab (Kisunla™) has shown significant promise in treating early-stage Alzheimer’s disease by targeting and reducing beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
Clinical trials have highlighted several benefits that make Donanemab an effective treatment option for slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s.
In the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 study, Donanemab demonstrated its ability to slow cognitive decline and help patients maintain their daily functions longer.
This study involved patients with early Alzheimer’s and showed remarkable results in reducing the progression of symptoms.
Key benefits from the trials include:
- Slowed cognitive decline: Donanemab slowed cognitive decline by 35% compared to a placebo.
- Stable disease progression: 47% of patients on Donanemab showed no disease progression after one year, compared to 29% on placebo.
- Improved daily activities: Patients on Donanemab experienced a 40% decline in their ability to perform daily activities.
What’s the difference between Donanemab and Aducanumab?
Donanemab and Aducanumab are both designed to treat Alzheimer’s disease, but they have some key differences:
- Target specificity: Donanemab targets a specific form of beta-amyloid known as N3pG, while Aducanumab targets aggregated beta-amyloid forms.
- Development timeline: Donanemab was developed more recently, with its major clinical trials showing promising results in 2023. Aducanumab has been in development and under study for a longer period.
- Mechanism of action: While both drugs aim to reduce beta-amyloid plaques, their different targets and mechanisms can lead to variations in effectiveness and side effects.
Is Donanemab better than Aducanumab?
Donanemab has shown some advantages in clinical trials, making it possibly a better option for some patients than Aducanumab.
However, as of 2024, Aducanumab will be discontinued, with Donanemab replacing it.
Discussing the risks: side effects of Donanemab
Like all medications, Donanemab can have side effects.
The most notable are amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which include:
- Brain swelling
- Small brain hemorrhages
Management:
- Regular monitoring: Frequent MRI scans to detect issues early.
- Treatment adjustments: Adjusting or pausing treatment if severe side effects occur.
- Infusion Reactions: Mild to moderate reactions during infusions.
While serious side effects are rare, careful monitoring is necessary to ensure patient safety.
How people with Alzheimer’s can access Donanemab
Accessing Donanemab for yourself or your loved one involves several steps.
Approval and diagnosis
- FDA approved: Donanemab is approved for early Alzheimer’s treatment.
- Diagnostic tests: Requires confirmation of Alzheimer’s with PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests.
Insurance and costs
- Medicare: Covers Donanemab if prescribed by registered physicians.
- Medicaid: May cover treatment and co-insurance costs for eligible individuals.
- Private insurance: Coverage varies; check with your provider.
- Cost: Around $32,000 annually, with financial help available through programs like the Donanemab Copay Assistance Program.
Treatment process
- Administration: Given through IV infusions, usually once every four weeks at specialized centers.
- Consultation: Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options and develop a personalized care plan.
Join our Kensington Place Redwood City family: a memory care community
Donanemab is a newly approved drug designed to slow the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease by targeting beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
Extensive research supports its benefits, showing promise in improving patients’ cognitive function and daily activities.
Kensington Place Redwood City is a memory care community in Redwood City, California.
We’re dedicated to informing caregivers and their loved ones about the latest Alzheimer’s research and treatments.
Contact Kensington Place Redwood City to learn more about Connections and Haven, our two memory care neighborhoods for early to advanced stages of memory loss.