The Toronto Star published this article about new drugs to slow the progression of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease in Canada and the challenges Canadians may face in accessing them.
Promising new drugs
Health Canada is currently reviewing two promising drugs, lecanemab and donanemab, that could significantly change Alzheimer’s treatment in Canada. These monoclonal antibodies work by clearing amyloid plaques from the brain, and clinical trials have shown they can slow the progression of mild Alzheimer’s.
For example, donanemab nearly halted symptom worsening in almost half of patients after a year, while lecanemab slowed cognitive decline by 27% over 18 months, also improving patients’ quality of life and reducing caregiver burden. These therapies are specifically for those with mild Alzheimer’s, often requiring biological confirmation and potentially genetic testing for eligibility.
Access Problems and Systemic Challenges
However, Canadians face significant hurdles in accessing these potentially transformative treatments. A major issue is the average 28-month wait time for an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, which could make patients ineligible for therapies designed for early-stage disease. Canada’s healthcare system is also unprepared for the influx of demand these drugs would create:
- More healthcare workers specializing in Alzheimer’s.
- Increased imaging facilities for PET scans and regular MRIs.
- More infusion clinics for monthly or bi-monthly IV drug administration.
- Greater public awareness and education about early diagnosis.
Costs and risks
The drugs’ high cost, around $26,500 USD, also raises concerns about affordability. Furthermore, these treatments carry risks, including amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) like brain swelling and bleeding, which were serious enough to cause three patient deaths in donanemab trials. This has led some experts to express caution, questioning the long-term benefits and whether these drugs are truly the breakthrough many hope for.
Cancer treatment success consideration for Alzheimer treatment
Despite these challenges, there’s a strong call for a fundamental shift in how Alzheimer’s is viewed and treated in Canada, mirroring the revolution seen in cancer care. Advocates, including patients like Mike Kessler, believe Alzheimer’s should no longer be considered a death sentence, but a condition for which early diagnosis, specialist access, and comprehensive multidisciplinary support are crucial. Kessler himself actively works to destigmatize the disease, highlighting that a diagnosis allows for planning and continued enjoyment of life. He actively works to destigmatize Alzheimer’s, sharing his experiences through his YouTube channel, “The Dementia Diaries.”
Neurologists remain optimistic, citing past successes in adapting the healthcare system for new treatments in stroke and multiple sclerosis, suggesting similar changes are possible for Alzheimer’s. The journey to improve the lives of Canadians with Alzheimer’s will depend on successfully navigating the complex interplay of scientific progress, healthcare infrastructure, and societal perceptions.
This article underscores the complex interplay between scientific advancements, healthcare infrastructure, and societal perceptions in the journey to improve the lives of Canadians living with Alzheimer’s.
[Christina Frangou is a Calgary-based journalist who specializes in writing about health and social issues.]
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