New Alzheimer's Drugs: Can They Slow Memory Loss?

What are the names of the new Alzheimer's medications?

In the United States, two anti-amyloid antibody treatments have received traditional FDA approval for Alzheimer's disease: Leqembi (lecanemab) and Kisunla (donanemab). Both are intended to be started during the mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage associated with Alzheimer's—not after substantial dementia has developed. [1][2]

Other long-established Alzheimer's medicines, such as donepezil and memantine, may help manage symptoms. They are different from these newer amyloid-targeting drugs. No treatment currently available is a cure for Alzheimer's disease. [13]

How do Leqembi and Kisunla work?

Alzheimer's disease is associated with changes involving the proteins amyloid-beta and tau, as well as injury to brain cells and the connections between them. Leqembi and Kisunla are laboratory-produced antibodies designed to bind particular forms of amyloid-beta so the brain can clear some of those deposits. [1][2]

Reducing amyloid plaques is a biological effect. Families ultimately care about something else: whether a person can remember, make decisions, complete familiar activities and remain independent for longer. Clinical trials measured changes in cognition and everyday functioning, not just plaque removal.

How well do the new drugs work?

Leqembi: approximately 27% slower clinical decline

In a large, randomized 18-month trial, the group receiving Leqembi worsened by an average of 1.21 points on the Clinical Dementia Rating–Sum of Boxes scale, versus 1.66 points with placebo. That is a 0.45-point difference, described as approximately 27% less decline on this particular scale. [4]

Kisunla: significant slowing, depending on the measurement

In the pivotal trial, patients receiving Kisunla had less deterioration than those on placebo over about 18 months. On one measure assessing cognitive and daily functioning together (iADRS), the overall study population showed approximately 22% slower decline. On another clinical scale (CDR-SB), the overall difference was about 29%. Results differed among subgroups and scales. [5]

The percentages for Leqembi and Kisunla cannot be used to declare one drug superior. The trials enrolled different people and used different measures, schedules and analyses; they were not a head-to-head comparison.

Can Alzheimer's now be treated at home?

For some eligible patients, the injections can now be administered at home—but the overall treatment is not home-only. On July 13, 2026, the FDA approved Leqembi Iqlik (lecanemab-irmb) as a starting treatment using a subcutaneous autoinjector. The initial regimen uses two 250-mg injections once each week. This is a new way of administering the already-approved drug, not an entirely new molecule or a cure. [3][10]

The FDA had previously approved a weekly injection option for maintenance after at least 18 months of initial treatment. Under the newer approval, a person and their treatment team may choose the injection route from the beginning. The injections may be given by a patient or a caregiver after appropriate instruction. [3][10]

At-home dosing may reduce travel and infusion appointments, but patients still need a neurologist or another qualified prescriber, confirmation of Alzheimer's pathology, follow-up visits and regular MRI monitoring for side effects. The injection formulation was not independently tested in a separate large trial measuring long-term clinical outcomes; FDA authorization relied in part on the established Leqembi evidence and supporting studies for the new route. [3]

Important for home-care families: an at-home drug injection is a medical task. A non-medical home-care agency should not be assumed to provide it. Ask the prescribing clinician who may administer it and what training or licensure is required.

Who can receive these medications?

These medicines are considered for people with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease or mild Alzheimer's dementia, with evidence of amyloid-beta pathology. Not everyone with memory loss has Alzheimer's, and not everyone with Alzheimer's is an appropriate candidate for anti-amyloid treatment. [10][11][12]

A specialist may recommend a structured cognitive assessment, tests to confirm Alzheimer's biology (such as amyloid PET imaging or cerebrospinal-fluid testing, depending on the clinical setting), a baseline brain MRI, a review of medicines and other illnesses, and discussion of genetic APOE ε4 status to help explain the risk of side effects.

There is not established clinical-trial evidence supporting starting these therapies in moderate or advanced Alzheimer's dementia, or for people with another kind of dementia that is not due to Alzheimer's pathology. A clinician can explain whether the diagnosis and disease stage meet current prescribing criteria.

What are the risks, and why are MRI scans necessary?

Both medicines carry an FDA boxed warning for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, abbreviated ARIA. ARIA may involve swelling or fluid accumulation in the brain (ARIA-E), small areas of bleeding (ARIA-H), or both. Many cases cause no noticeable symptoms, but serious and sometimes fatal events have occurred. [9][10][11]

ARIA risk is higher in some people carrying two copies of the APOE ε4 gene variant. Blood thinners and pre-existing evidence of brain bleeding can also affect risk assessments. It is essential for the specialist to review all anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicines rather than having a patient stop them independently. [3][10][11]

Monitoring is required. For Leqembi, the July 2026 prescribing information recommends a baseline MRI and follow-up MRIs after roughly one, two, three and six months of treatment (with timing corresponding to the infusion or injection schedule). Other scans may be necessary if symptoms occur. Kisunla has its own MRI schedule in the prescribing information. A patient's care team should use the current label and tailor monitoring. [9][10][11]

How much do the new Alzheimer's drugs cost?

Medication pricing depends on drug, route, body weight, dosage schedule, total treatment duration and insurance. The figures below are published U.S. list-price examples—not estimates of what an insured family will personally owe. [6][7]

The figures exclude infusion charges, specialist visits, brain imaging, diagnostic tests and other medical services. Drug list prices are subject to change; obtain a current estimate from the treating facility and insurer. Kisunla does not have a single universal yearly cost because treatment may end after sufficient amyloid removal is demonstrated.

Does Medicare pay for Leqembi or Kisunla?

Medicare Part B may cover qualifying FDA-approved anti-amyloid antibody therapy when specific requirements are met, including documented Alzheimer's-related mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, confirmation of amyloid plaques, and a provider participating in an approved data-collection registry or study. After the Part B deductible, patients generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services, unless supplemental coverage or other arrangements change their responsibility. This is not necessarily 20% of the manufacturer's list price. [8]

Coverage may differ for Medicare Advantage, private insurance and particular administration settings. The newly approved at-home injection route can raise separate pharmacy versus medical-benefit questions. Ask the insurer to verify that exact formulation, route and site of administration before treatment begins. Monitoring scans and related services may generate additional costs even when the drug is covered.

What should a family ask before starting treatment?

1. Do we have a confirmed Alzheimer's diagnosis? What evidence establishes amyloid pathology, and is the disease still at the stage studied in the trials?
2. What benefit is realistic for this person? How will you measure progress or ongoing decline, and what would justify stopping?
3. What is the risk of ARIA? Should APOE ε4 testing be performed, and what does the baseline MRI show?
4. Are current medications a concern? Review anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines and other relevant health conditions.
5. Which treatment and delivery route fit? Compare infusion scheduling with trained at-home injection and monitoring requirements.
6. What will the full costs be? Ask for the drug price, imaging, infusions, office visits and written insurance authorization.
7. Who will coordinate the treatment? Clarify emergency contacts, symptom reporting and support at home.

What does this progress mean for families affected by Alzheimer's?

The approvals represent meaningful progress: the goal is no longer limited to easing symptoms. Clinical researchers have demonstrated that changing a disease-related process can modestly slow measured decline in some people. Yet it would be misleading to say that Alzheimer's has been cured, that all patients can use these drugs or that the risks are minor.

For a person with early Alzheimer's, the important next step is an informed discussion with a memory-disorders specialist—not self-treatment or starting prescription medicines based on an online article. For families living with moderate or advanced dementia, daily safety, familiar routines, caregiver support, supervision and quality of life remain central regardless of new drug discoveries.

Medical treatment and non-medical home support serve different purposes. Infusions and prescription injections require clinical oversight; companionship, meal assistance, safe routines and help with everyday tasks may be provided through appropriate home-care services.