Understanding Leqembi & Kisunla
The Complete Guide to Two Groundbreaking Alzheimer’s Medications — Who Should Consider Them, and Who Should Not
For years, families navigating Alzheimer’s disease were told the same painful truth: “There’s nothing we can do to stop it.” But today, the conversation is changing.
Two FDA-approved Alzheimer’s medications — Leqembi (lecanemab) and Kisunla (donanemab) — are giving patients in the earliest stages of the disease something precious: time. Time to hold onto memories. Time to maintain independence. Time to live more fully before Alzheimer’s takes too much.
This guide explains:
How Leqembi and Kisunla work
The science behind them
Who is a candidate — and who is not
Potential side effects and safety monitoring
What to expect before, during, and after treatment
What Are Leqembi and Kisunla?
Leqembi and Kisunla are anti-amyloid therapies. They work by targeting amyloid plaques — abnormal protein deposits in the brain that disrupt nerve cell communication and contribute to Alzheimer’s progression.
In simple terms:
These drugs attach to amyloid plaques.
They help the immune system clear them away.
This slows cognitive decline in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild Alzheimer’s dementia.
Key differences:
Leqembi
Generic Name: Lecanemab
FDA Approval Date: Jan 2023 (full approval July 2023)
Infusion Frequency: Every 2 weeks
Duration of Therapy: Ongoing
Kisunla
Generic Name: Donanemab
FDA Approval Date: July 2024
Infusion Frequency: Monthly
Duration of Therapy: Often 12–18 months if amyloid is cleared
Why This Matters for Alzheimer’s Treatment
In large clinical trials, patients on Leqembi or Kisunla declined 25–35% more slowly than those on placebo.
That means:
More months of recognizing loved ones
Extended independence in daily living
Delayed need for full-time care
Who Should Consider Leqembi or Kisunla?
These Alzheimer’s medications work best for people who:
Are in the earliest stages — Mild Cognitive Impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s.
Have confirmed amyloid plaques — via an amyloid PET scan or spinal fluid test.
Are medically stable — and can tolerate infusion therapy.
Have a dedicated care partner — to help with appointments and safety monitoring.
Who Should Not Take These Alzheimer’s Medications
Leqembi and Kisunla are not for everyone. They may not be appropriate if you:
Are in moderate or late-stage Alzheimer’s
Have a history of brain bleeding or uncontrolled hypertension
Are on certain blood thinners
Have two APOE4 genes (higher ARIA risk) without a monitoring plan
Cannot commit to MRI safety scans
Possible Side Effects: Understanding ARIA
Both Leqembi and Kisunla carry a risk of Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA), including:
ARIA-E: Brain swelling
ARIA-H: Small brain bleeds
Most cases are symptom-free, detected only by MRI, but serious complications are possible.
Symptoms to watch for:
Headache
Confusion
Dizziness
Nausea
Vision changes
Real-Life Patient Stories
Carol’s Journey with Leqembi
Carol, 68, was diagnosed with MCI due to Alzheimer’s. After confirming amyloid plaques on a PET scan, she began Leqembi infusions every two weeks. A year later, she still leads her book club and again enjoys baking with her grandkids.
“The infusions are just part of our calendar now,” says her husband. “It’s given us more time — and that’s priceless.”
Janet’s Experience with Kisunla
Janet, 66, chose Kisunla for its monthly schedule. She and her daughter track infusions and MRI appointments on a shared calendar. Small areas of swelling were found twice, but she experienced no symptoms, and treatment continued.
“It’s not just the time,” her daughter says. “It’s knowing we’re doing something to fight back.”
The Treatment Process: Step-by-Step
Confirm Diagnosis – Cognitive testing + amyloid PET scan or CSF test.
Baseline MRI & Health Screening – Ensure no existing ARIA.
Start Infusions – Leqembi every 2 weeks; Kisunla monthly.
Safety Monitoring – Regular MRIs and check-ins.
Questions to Ask Your Neurologist
Am I in the right stage for treatment?
How do we confirm amyloid plaques?
What’s my personal ARIA risk?
What will my monitoring schedule look like?
How will we know if the drug is working?
What are the costs with my insurance or Medicare?
The Emotional Decision
Choosing Leqembi or Kisunla is both a medical and emotional decision. Families must balance:
Hope vs. risk
Medical benefits vs. lifestyle impact
Costs vs. quality of life
Bottom Line
Leqembi and Kisunla represent a new era in Alzheimer’s treatment — one that offers hope where there was once only decline. But they are not right for everyone.
If you or your loved one are in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s, now is the time to explore your options.
💬 Need help making the decision?
I help families nationwide understand Leqembi, Kisunla, and other Alzheimer’s treatment options — and support them through the process.
📅 Book your free 10-minute clarity call: https://www.memorytreatmentadvisors.com/schedule
