Is Kisunla a good idea for treating Alzheimer's? That's a great question to explore with a doctor, but here's what's known so far.
Kisunla (donanemab) is FDA-approved for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's — specifically mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. It works by targeting and clearing amyloid plaques Show Full Answer
Is Kisunla a good idea for treating Alzheimer's? That's a great question to explore with a doctor, but here's what's known so far.
Kisunla (donanemab) is FDA-approved for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's — specifically mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. It works by targeting and clearing amyloid plaques in the brain, which are linked to memory loss and other symptoms. Long-term studies show promising results. People treated with Kisunla declined more slowly over three years, and those who started treatment early had a 27% lower risk of progressing to the next stage of Alzheimer's. However, there are important things to be aware of before starting treatment:
- A PET scan or spinal fluid test is required beforehand to confirm amyloid buildup
- It's given as an IV infusion every four weeks
- Regular brain monitoring is needed throughout treatment
- Common side effects include brain swelling or small bleeds (called ARIA), and headaches
- People who carry two copies of the ApoE e4 gene have a higher risk of serious side effects Whether Kisunla is the right choice really depends on the stage of Alzheimer's, overall health, and personal circumstances. A healthcare provider is the best person to help weigh the benefits against the risks.
3 days ago
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Join
Your Privacy Choices
