Dr. Richard Isaacson was featured by The Wall Street Journal discussing the challenges patients may face in accessing Leqembi (lecanemab) following its FDA accelerated approval. While the treatment marked a significant advance for people with early Alzheimer’s disease, he explained that widespread access would depend on much more than regulatory approval, including Medicare coverage, specialized diagnostic testing, infusion center capacity, and ongoing MRI safety monitoring.

Dr. Isaacson emphasized that Leqembi is not simply a medication patients can begin immediately. Determining eligibility requires confirmation of Alzheimer’s pathology, careful evaluation of individual risks—including genetic factors such as APOE4—and regular follow-up to monitor for potential side effects such as brain swelling and bleeding. He noted that expanding access to biomarker testing, specialty memory care, and precision medicine will be essential to ensure eligible patients can benefit from emerging Alzheimer’s therapies.

Read the full The Wall Street Journal article to learn why access to Leqembi remains a challenge for many patients despite its promise as a disease-modifying Alzheimer’s therapy.