Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of progressive brain disease that causes problems with:
- memory
- language
- thinking
Who is LEQEMBI for?
LEQEMBI is for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, which are known as:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease
This is when symptoms like forgetfulness and confusion are very mild and may not get in the way of daily life.
Mild Alzheimer’s dementia
This is when symptoms like trouble keeping track of bills and difficulty with familiar tasks start to get in the way of daily life.
Do not receive LEQEMBI if you have serious allergic reactions to lecanemab-irmb or to any of the ingredients in LEQEMBI.
Your healthcare provider will confirm if
LEQEMBI is right for you
Your healthcare provider may use tests designed to evaluate your brain health and help figure out if your symptoms are due to early Alzheimer's disease. They'll explain what tests you need to make sure LEQEMBI is right for you.
Tests you should know about
Your healthcare provider will use one of these tests to check for amyloid brain plaque. That's because LEQEMBI is thought to work by targeting harmful amyloid proteins and reducing existing amyloid brain plaque.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test
This test takes samples of the fluid around your brain and spinal cord.
Amyloid positron emission tomography
(PET) scan
This test uses a special machine that takes pictures of your brain.
Blood-based biomarker (BBBM) test*
This test measures a blood sample to check for amyloid brain plaque.
*BBBMs are currently being studied as a newer alternative test to look for amyloid proteins.
We can help you determine your insurance coverage and learn where to access your medication.
Find out moreWhat causes Alzheimer’s disease?
Continuous buildup of amyloid proteins can cause Alzheimer’s disease
Buildup over time
Continuous buildup
For illustrative purposes only.
People with Alzheimer’s disease have a protein called amyloid that continuously builds up in the brain. It starts with small forms of amyloid protein. These may clump together into larger forms, which can damage your brain cells. As they continue to build up, they can form harmful amyloid brain plaques.
Key
amyloid proteins
amyloid brain plaque
Key
amyloid proteins
amyloid brain plaque
Your healthcare provider will use one of these tests to check for amyloid brain plaque.
How does LEQEMBI work?
Treatment with LEQEMBI is thought to fight Alzheimer's disease in 2 ways
Targets harmful
amyloid proteins
Reduces existing
amyloid brain plaque
LEQEMBI clinical study results
In a large, 18-month study:
Treatment with LEQEMBI was proven to slow the progression of early Alzheimer's disease, helping people remember, solve problems, and complete daily activities for longer.
Who was included in the study?
*The study was divided into 2 groups. One group took LEQEMBI (898 people) and the other group did not take LEQEMBI (897 people).
LEQEMBI safety
While taking LEQEMBI, your healthcare provider will monitor your progress on treatment. They’ll also watch for any side effects. One potential side effect is Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities or “ARIA.”
Your healthcare provider will monitor you for ARIA with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan before starting treatment and before your 5th, 7th, and 14th infusions.
What to keep in mind about ARIA symptoms
ARIA is most commonly seen as temporary swelling in areas of the brain that usually resolves over time. Some people may also have small spots of bleeding in or on the surface of the brain and, infrequently, larger areas of bleeding in the brain can occur. Most people with this type of swelling in the brain do not get symptoms—however, some people may have symptoms, such as:
Headache 
Confusion 
Dizziness 
Vision changes 
Nausea 
Difficulty walking 
Seizures 
Understanding the role your genes play
Some people have a genetic risk factor that may increase the risk of ARIA. Talk to your healthcare provider about testing to see if you have this risk factor.
Tips for care partners
An important step in staying on top of ARIA is making sure the whole healthcare team knows your loved one is taking LEQEMBI. Consider mentioning it at any upcoming appointments or adding a note if they use an online patient portal.Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
Learn what to do before, during, and
after each infusion.
Get help passing the time at LEQEMBI appointments
Discover LEQEMBI Companion™