Perth Neurology Centre has now opened up an Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Clinic for those with Early Alzheimer's Disease.
Patient Information
One of the major drivers of Alzheimer’s Disease is the accumulation of amyloid protein in the brain. Medications directed at removing amyloid from the brain have recently been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). These drugs are called Donanemab and Lecanemab.
Patients may be eligible for Donanemab if they have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia caused by Alzheimer’s Disease.
Whilst Donanemab and Lecanemab are TGA approved, they have not been approved by the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme). These drugs are therefore allowed to be prescribed, but the cost of the medication is paid by the patient. (I.e. They are not currently funded by private health funds or Medicare). As well as medication costs, there will be additional costs for administration, reviews, and monitoring investigations. The medication alone can cost around $77,220 over 18 months.
Potential Benefits
These medications are very effective at removing amyloid from the brain. All patients, however, continue to decline despite treatment. These medications are not a cure for Alzheimers Disease, but can slow it down. In trials, those on therapy had a more than 20% slowing of disease progression at 18 months.
Potential Risks
These medications do carry risks, and these will be discussed with you in detail in your assessment. These risks include:
Brain swelling (oedema, ARIA-E). However, most were not symptomatic
Brain bleeding (haemorrhage, ARIA-H). The majority of these were small microbleeds, not symptomatic, and were only found on MRI scan during monitoring.
Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Clinic at Perth Neurology Centre
If you wish to be assessed at our Treatment clinic by Cognitive Neurologist Dr Daniel Clarke please email on Alzheimers@perthneurologycentre.com. A Doctor referral will be needed.