Forward with Dementia lead researcher, Professor Henry Brodaty, together with co-director of UNSW Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Professor Perminder Sachdev have released a statement about the amyloid clearing drug, Donanemab, being approved for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s Disease.
“The approval of a new drug, donanemab, by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease is a major milestone in our fight against this devastating disease. It is the first anti-Alzheimer’s drug to be approved in Australia in 25 years. While not a cure, it promises to slow the progress of the disease, but this comes at the risk of significant side effects and a high financial cost.
Although this is promising news, we must remember that there remains a fundamental issue that it doesn’t proactively prevent future generations from developing the disease, nor does it help people with more advanced Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.
More research across the full spectrum of the disease beyond drug treatments to include prevention strategies in early and mid-life to reduce modifiable risk factors associated with dementia, is critical, and is our focus at UNSW Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA).
Nevertheless, this announcement it is bound to offer hope for thousands of people with early Alzheimer’s disease, and will re-energise the field to discover new and better drugs in the years to come and effective end of life care for patients and their families.“
A newly approved drug may give people who experience early symptoms of cognitive impairment reason to seek assessment. Our research team’s new website, Facing Dementia Together provides a wealth of information to understand early changes and importantly, what to do and how to seek help. The Checklist for dementia symptoms and changes has been particularly helpful for many people to start conversations with their GP.
Donanemab will be sold under the name Kisunla. It is administered by monthly infusion (injection) for up to 18 months, currently at a cost of about $4,700 for each infusion. The inclusion of the drug on the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will be reviewed in July 2025.
While a new drug that will potentially slow progression for people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease is an exciting development, there are many things that you can do to help slow progression of cognitive impairment, stay healthy and independent. The Forward with Dementia website is packed with information and ideas to live a healthier, happier quality of life!
