CDA recommends funding for Alzheimer’s treatment

A shift on accessing lecanemab in Canada

Canada’s Drug Agency has released a draft recommendation to reimburse lecanemab on public drug plans for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

“People living with early Alzheimer’s disease and their care partners have consistently told us that slowing disease progression and preserving independence matter deeply,” said Christina Scicluna, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Canada. “This positive recommendation represents an important step toward improving access to treatment while reinforcing the need for health systems to be ready with clear guidance, appropriate monitoring, and meaningful support for people with dementia and their families.”

This draft recommendation is another step in the evolving Alzheimer’s disease treatment landscape in Canada. However, this draft recommendation alone does not guarantee access, but is a critical step in the process.

If recommended for reimbursement after this period, it is important to know that people must be able to receive timely diagnosis, monitoring and care for new therapies to have a meaningful impact. At the same time, sustained investment in navigation, community programs and care partner support is equally important to ensure Canadians affected by dementia receive the care they need regardless of their eligibility for pharmacological treatment.

Currently, accessing lecanemab requires specialized diagnostic tools, such as an amyloid PET scan or cerebrospinal fluid analysis, along with genetic testing, to confirm eligibility. The medication is administered through intravenous infusion, and ongoing monitoring, typically via PET scans or MRI scans, is necessary to ensure safety and effectiveness. Meeting these demands will require substantial investments in human resources, infrastructure, training and the creation of new healthcare pathways to deliver such treatments effectively and equitably.

Across Canada, access to specialists, diagnostic tools and infusion services varies significantly. Ensuring equitable implementation across provinces and territories will be essential so that eligible Canadians who choose this treatment can benefit regardless of geography or financial circumstance.

We will continue to advocate for equitable access, informed decision-making and health-system readiness so that scientific progress translates into real-world benefit for people living with dementia and their care partners. We will also continue to advocate with our federation partners for increased investment in public education on risk reduction, system navigation and all the community supports that are essential components of the dementia care continuum across Canada.

Read frequently asked questions about lecanemab here.