GP Experts Say It’s Too Early to Dismiss Alzheimer’s Drugs After Review Findings
22 Apr 2026
The review looked at 17 studies involving more than 20,000 people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease. It concluded that these medicines do not lead to meaningful improvement in symptoms and suggested future research should focus on other treatment approaches.
However, two Australian GPs with a special interest in dementia say it is too early to make that judgment.
Dr Stephanie Daly said the research includes older drug versions that were less effective and did not show clear clinical benefit. She noted that only the two most recent trials—on lecanemab and donanemab—have shown any positive results so far.
She said it is possible newer drugs are performing better due to improved design or better patient selection, and more time is needed before drawing firm conclusions.
In Australia, both donanemab (Kisunla) and lecanemab (Leqembi) are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, but neither is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, making them very expensive for patients.
Dr Marita Long, GP and medical advisor at Dementia Australia, said only a small number of patients currently qualify for these treatments. She said early diagnosis is important so patients who may benefit can be assessed in time.
Both GPs disagreed with the review’s suggestion to move away from amyloid-targeting research. They said other causes of Alzheimer’s are also being explored, but these drugs may still offer early signs of progress.
Dr Daly said it is important GPs continue to assess cognitive symptoms, discuss treatment options, and remain open to future developments. She added that while these drugs are not a cure, they may help open the door to better treatments in the future.
Source: Cochrane review (reported by newsGP, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners)