Overview

• Lecanemab (Leqembi) is now available in Germany after EU approval, but it is restricted to patients in very early stages and excludes ApoE4 homozygotes due to bleeding risks.
• Therapy requires regular MRI surveillance and twice‑monthly infusions, with German experts estimating 30,000–60,000 potential candidates and annual costs around €40,000 per patient.
• Clinical data show the drug slows decline by roughly 30% over 18 months, offering a disease‑modifying effect but not a cure.
• Alzheimer organizations highlight 14 modifiable risk factors and urge midlife prevention and earlier diagnostics, with geriatric psychiatrists noting 7–15% of dementia causes may be reversible if identified.
• Caregiver strain remains high as cases rise, while regional programs—such as training, support networks and dementia‑friendly services in Austria’s Carinthia—expand to help patients and families.