New Alzheimer's Drug Approved in Canada: Your Questions Answered

Slows cognitive decline by 27% in early-stage Alzheimer's (approximately 10-13 months). For instance, in an 18 month period, a person receiving this treatment may be about five months delayed in the progression of their symptoms than those who are not receiving the treatment.

People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's

Health Canada approved it in October 2025; patient access depends on Alberta coverage decisions, clinic capacity, and MRI availability

Works best when started early—don't delay assessment if you think you might qualify.

Approximately $26,500 USD/year, plus monitoring costs. We don’t yet know what costs will be in Canada. Pharmaceuticals can have significant differences in costs across different countries.

Not yet confirmed for Alberta Health coverage.

Lecanemab is for people in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease. This includes anyone with a clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease who is still living independently and managing most daily activities.

“While this marks a significant step forward, lecanemab will not be suitable for everyone once it becomes available. This includes individuals in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease, those with specific conditions (such as stroke or bleeding, immunologic or seizure disorders), and people with other forms of dementia. It is important to note that this medication is not a cure and cannot reverse the progression of Alzheimer's disease.” Alzheimer Canada

To explore a clinical diagnosis, talk to your family doctor. If you don’t have a family doctor, this link highlights doctors who are accepting new patients. Your doctor will refer you to appropriate specialists as needed for a memory assessment.

The diagnosis process includes cognitive testing and brain imaging, among other steps. There would also be some testing to confirm the presence of amyloid plaques, usually through a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).

“Amyloid is a protein that is found in our brains and bodies, but in Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid sticks together and forms different sized clumps that later become plaques in the brain.” Alzheimer’s Society U.K.

If seeking a diagnosis or treatment for yourself, it’s helpful to bring someone with you who can speak about your life and any additional supports you’re needing. This helps add context for the diagnostic process and helps your doctor understand how noticeable any changes are, and the extent they might be affecting your daily functioning.

Questions? Our dementia support navigators can guide you through the referral process and help you understand your options. Contact us.

This treatment reportedly works best in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease. If you think you might be eligible:

• Contact your family doctor now to start the diagnostic process
• Don't wait for Alberta coverage decisions—get assessed while still in the early stages of symptoms

It’s important to make the decisions that feel right for you. We can support you in considering the questions that are most top of mind.

It’ll be a while before we know.

Even with Health Canada approval, provincial programs must separately evaluate whether to fund new medications. There is no information available about Alberta Health’s decisions about coverage for this treatment. This process may take months to years.

We know this wait time can be difficult. Many Albertans have been waiting for access to these treatments for some time. The delay means some people may progress beyond the early stage where the drug is most effective.

What you can do:

• Get assessed now so you're ready if coverage is announced

We are actively monitoring announcements and will also be discussing the impacts of this news with our partners at Dementia Network Calgary (collective impact and advocacy).

If you haven’t already, subscribe to our email list to receive available updates about this treatment.

According to local specialist Dr. Erika Dempsey, Geriatric Medicine Physician and Clinical Associate Professor with the University of Calgary, “Slowing the progress of these symptoms extends your time in the mild phase of dementia. This means more time spent living more independently, and not needing a great deal of support for activities such as shopping, driving, finances, cooking and more."

In clinical trials, people taking lecanemab maintained their current level of thinking and functioning for about a year longer than those who did not receive the drug. This could mean:

• More time living independently at home
• More time managing finances, driving, or other activities
• Additional time to plan for the future

This medication is not a cure for dementia symptoms and cannot reverse the progression of Alzheimer's disease overall.

Looking for more ‘living well’ tips overall? The StillMe movement is a local initiative focused on helping people live well despite dementia symptoms. Get insider insights, practical tips, meaningful activities, and hopeful stories. Sign up here

The most serious side effects are brain swelling and small brain bleeds (microbleeds), which occur in a small percentage of patients. That's why regular MRI monitoring is required. People taking blood thinners may have higher risks.

Your specialist would assess whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks based on your individual health profile.

People receiving this medication are not considered to be APOE4 carriers. They may carry one copy of the APOE4 gene but not two. If you have two copies of the APOE4 gene, there are significantly higher risks of experiencing serious side effects.

• IV infusion every two weeks (takes about an hour)
• Regular MRI scans to monitor for side effects. Includes a baseline MRI and then four other MRIs within the first 18 months
• Ongoing medical monitoring with a specialist
• Indefinite treatment duration (as long as it remains beneficial and safe)

IMPORTANT: MRI availability in Calgary
Treatment requires frequent MRI monitoring, but Calgary already has significant MRI wait times. This may delay treatment start dates or create scheduling challenges. Ask your doctor or specialist about:

• Options for treatment, and realistic timelines for beginning treatment
• Private MRI options (if that is an option for you)

If a person has progressed beyond mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, lecanemab may not be an option. That does not mean hope is lost.

Quality of life matters at every stage. We support thousands of Calgary families to live well despite the experience of dementia.

There are many ways to support quality of life throughout this journey.

• Medications are available to manage symptoms and behaviours
• The Club 36 adult day program is accessible for social connection and meaningful activities
• We can support care planning and system navigation support
• We offer education programs for care partners, family members and friends
• Our team provides one-on-one confidential, emotional support (cost-free) with Dementia Support Navigators
• There are local support groups
• The StillMe movement welcomes you, and offers practical tips and tools, inspiring stories and more hope at each turn.

It is never too late to find support, connection, and meaningful opportunities. Contact us.

While we can't prevent Alzheimer's entirely, there is strong evidence that certain lifestyle factors can reduce your risk of developing it in life, or delay the onset of symptoms:

• Regular exercise, healthy eating (especially Mediterranean-style diet), and increasing cognitive stimulation
• Managing vascular risk factors, such as controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels
• Getting hearing aids if needed; ensuring proper vision correction
• Being socially connected and maintaining relationships that matter to you

Find more info on risk reduction here:

Exact timelines are unclear. Health Canada approval is the first step, but we still need:

• Alberta Health funding decisions
• Hospital/clinic capacity to deliver infusions and monitoring
• MRI availability for required scans

We'll share updates as we learn more.

This is a deeply personal decision with many factors to consider, such as the stage and severity of symptoms, overall health, values, financial resources, and more. There's no single right answer.

We’re happy to support you with an initial conversation. Our team offers free one-on-one consultations to explore available options. Contact us