AUPN Session: Navigating Neurotherapeutic Horizons: Managing the Practical Aspects of the Novel Alzheimer’s Therapeutics*

This presentation will review the processes of developing an infrastructure to implement and manage amyloid-reducing therapies for Alzheimer's disease through the UAB Brain Aging and Memory Clinic. It will address critical issues including needs assessment, capacity planning, organizational support, staffing, and workflow. Lessons learned and future directions will also be discussed.

The FDA traditional approval of lecanemab, a monoclonal antibody targeting protofibrils of soluble amyloid occurred on July 6, 2023. Lecanemab is the first monoclonal antibody covered by Medicare plans for patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease pathology. Currently, over 100 patients in the Duke Memory Disorders Clinic are receiving lecanemab clinically. A protocol was put into place for prescribing the drug and managing patients receiving the drug. This session will briefly review the effectiveness of lecanemab in this population, appropriate use considerations when prescribing lecanemab, potential adverse effects and adverse effect management. The session will focus on practical aspects of prescribing lecanemab in a memory clinic including establishing the program in the health system, coordinating with infusion centers and coordinating with radiology for MRI maintenance.