Disease-Modifying Therapies for Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease affects each person differently. New drugs slow the progression of the disease in the MCI and mild dementia stages.
Understanding amyloid plaques and Alzheimer’s treatments
In Alzheimer’s disease, a protein called amyloid-beta builds up in the brain. These clumps, known as plaques, harm brain cells and impair memory and thinking. Two new treatments target these plaques to slow down changes in the brain.
New treatments at Penn Memory Center
The Penn Memory Center offers two FDA approved treatments: Leqembi (lecanemab) and Kisunla (donanemab).
- Purpose: Slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in the MCI and mild dementia stages
- How it works: Targets amyloid plaques in the brain
- FDA Approval: 2023
- How it’s given: 1-hour IV infusion every 2 weeks
- Availability: Offered at Penn Memory Center
- Purpose: Slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in the MCI and mild dementia stages
- How it works: Targets amyloid plaques in the brain
- FDA Approval: 2024
- How it’s given: 30-minute IV infusion once a month
- Availability: Offered at Penn Memory Center
More information
To understand these treatments better, watch our community discussion on anti-amyloid therapies at Penn Memory Center.