Does Lecanemab Help People With Alzheimer’s? A Review of Evidence From Clinical Trials

What is it about?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and daily functioning. In recent years, new treatments have been developed that target amyloid‑beta, a protein that builds up in the brain of people with Alzheimer’s. One of these treatments is lecanemab, a monoclonal antibody designed to slow disease progression. In this study, we systematically reviewed and analyzed data from randomized controlled trials comparing lecanemab (10 mg/kg every two weeks) with placebo. Our goal was to understand whether the treatment is effective, how much benefit it provides, and whether it is safe for patients. We found that lecanemab shows modest but measurable improvements in cognitive outcomes compared with placebo, suggesting it may help slow the progression of early Alzheimer’s disease. However, the treatment also carries risks. Some patients experienced side effects such as infusion reactions or brain imaging abnormalities known as ARIA (amyloid‑related imaging abnormalities). These risks need to be carefully monitored in clinical practice. Overall, our review provides a clear summary of the current evidence to help clinicians, patients, and policymakers understand the potential benefits and limitations of this emerging therapy.

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Photo by Gizem Nikomedi on Unsplash

Photo by Gizem Nikomedi on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This work is timely because lecanemab is one of the first disease‑modifying treatments to show meaningful clinical effects in Alzheimer’s disease — a field where therapeutic progress has been slow for decades. As health systems consider whether and how to adopt this therapy, there is an urgent need for a rigorous, independent synthesis of the available evidence. What makes this study unique is its comprehensive meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials using the approved dosing regimen. By combining data across studies, we provide a more precise estimate of both efficacy and safety than any single trial can offer. Our analysis highlights not only the potential benefits but also the clinical risks that must be weighed when making treatment decisions. These findings can support evidence‑based policymaking, guide clinicians in discussing treatment options with patients, and inform future research on optimizing the use of anti‑amyloid therapies.

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