Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most challenging and devastating conditions, affecting 5.8 million individuals and their families in the United States.
The progressive nature of the disease leads to significant cognitive decline and a loss of daily functioning, creating an urgent need for innovative treatments that can slow its progression and improve quality of life.
Donanemab (Kisunla™) represents a pioneering step forward in Alzheimer’s treatment.
Specifically designed for those in the early stages of the disease, this new drug targets the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s by focusing on beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
By understanding how Donanemab works and its potential benefits, caregivers and their loved ones can find renewed hope and effective management strategies for Alzheimer’s.
At The Kensington Falls Church, we are dedicated to providing the latest information and compassionate care to support those with Alzheimer’s.
What is Donanemab?
Donanemab (doh-NAN-ee-mab) is a newly approved drug specifically designed to treat early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
Developed by Eli Lilly and Company, Donanemab was created to target and reduce beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which are believed to contribute significantly to the progression of Alzheimer’s.
By addressing these plaques, Donanemab aims to slow the cognitive decline associated with the disease, helping patients maintain their mental functions and independence for longer.
How Donanemab targets Alzheimer’s pathology
Donanemab targets beta-amyloid plaques, abnormal protein deposits that accumulate in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
These plaques disrupt cell function and are closely linked to the cognitive decline seen in those with Alzheimer’s.
- Monoclonal antibody: Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody designed to bind to specific targets. In this case, Donanemab binds to a form of beta-amyloid known as N3pG. Leqembi is another FDA-approved monoclonal antibody that targets plaques in the brain.
- Plaque reduction: By attaching to these plaques, Donanemab marks them for removal by the body’s immune system. This process helps clear the plaques from the brain, potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s.
- Scientific basis: Reducing beta-amyloid plaques is believed to help preserve cognitive functions and daily activities, providing a therapeutic benefit to those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
Effectiveness of Donanemab compared to other drugs
Donanemab is part of a new wave of Alzheimer’s treatments known as “monoclonal antibodies,” which target beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
Clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness, showing significant benefits in slowing cognitive decline and improving daily functioning.
Clinical comparisons with Aducanumab
Donanemab and Aducanumab both target beta-amyloid plaques in the brain to treat early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
Donanemab specifically targets the N3pG form of beta-amyloid, while Aducanumab targets aggregated beta-amyloid forms.
As of 2024, Aducanumab will be discontinued.
- Target specificity:
- Donanemab targets the N3pG form of beta-amyloid.
- Aducanumab targets aggregated beta-amyloid forms.
- Efficacy:
- Donanemab:
- Slowed cognitive decline by 35% compared to placebo.
- 47% of patients showed no disease progression after one year.
- Aducanumab:
- It has also been shown to slow cognitive decline, but direct comparisons suggest Donanemab might be more effective in certain measures.
- Donanemab:
- Development Timeline:
- Donanemab was developed more recently, with its major clinical trials conducted in 2023.
- Aducanumab has been in development and under study for a longer period.
Key benefits of Donanemab:
- Faster clearance of beta-amyloid plaques.
- A greater percentage of patients experienced no disease progression after one year.
- Improved ability to perform daily activities.
Understanding the side effects associated with Donanemab
While Donanemab offers promising benefits for treating early-stage Alzheimer’s, it’s important to be aware of its potential side effects.
Common side effects include brain swelling and small brain hemorrhages, collectively known as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA).
Side effects:
- Brain swelling: This can cause headaches and confusion but is usually temporary.
- Small brain hemorrhages: These are typically minor but need to be monitored closely.
Management and care:
- Regular monitoring: Patients receiving Donanemab will need frequent MRI scans to check for ARIA and other potential issues.
- Adjusting treatment: If side effects are detected, doctors may adjust the dosage or temporarily pause treatment.
- Supportive care: Healthcare providers will manage symptoms and provide support to ensure patient safety.
Steps to accessing Donanemab treatment
Accessing Donanemab (Kisunla™) treatment involves several steps to ensure eligibility and proper care.
1. FDA approval
- Donanemab is FDA-approved for treating early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, making it available to eligible patients.
2. Diagnostic testing
- Patients need a confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer’s with elevated beta-amyloid plaques, typically identified through PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests.
3. Consultation with healthcare providers
- Speak with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks of Donanemab.
- Develop a personalized treatment plan based on individual health needs.
4. Insurance coverage
- Medicare: Covers Donanemab if prescribed by physicians participating in a registry.
- Medicaid: May cover treatment and co-insurance costs for eligible individuals.
- Private insurance: Coverage varies, so patients should check with their insurance providers for specific details.
5. Financial assistance
- Donanemab copay assistance program: Offers financial help to manage the cost of treatment, which is approximately $32,000 per year.
6. Treatment administration
- Donanemab is administered through IV infusions, typically once every four weeks at specialized centers.
The Kensington Falls Church: premier Alzheimer’s and memory care
Donanemab is a pioneering treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s, aiming to slow the disease’s progression by reducing beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. Extensive research demonstrates its potential benefits for cognitive and daily functioning.
The Kensington Falls Church is an assisted living and memory care community in Falls Church, Virginia.
We strive to inform caregivers and their loved ones about the latest Alzheimer’s research and treatments.
Contact The Kensington Falls Church to learn more about our premiere memory care.