United States: When lecanemab became the first drug approved in 2023 to slow Alzheimer’s progression, many experts raised concerns about its potential side effects—particularly brain swelling and bleeding seen in clinical trials. But a new study published May 12 in JAMA Neurology offers reassuring data about its safety profile, as reported by HealthDay.
Study Tracks Real-World Use in Early Alzheimer’s Patients
Researchers at Washington University’s Memory Diagnostic Center monitored 234 patients with very mild or mild Alzheimer’s from August 2023 to October 2024 as they received lecanemab. Brain swelling or bleeding occurred in about 22% of at-risk individuals, but most of these cases were mild and symptom-free, discovered only through routine brain scans.
Severe Side Effects Rare and Manageable
Among the few who did experience symptoms, most recovered within months. Only 4% of patients discontinued treatment due to side effects, and just 1% required hospitalization. No deaths were reported during the study period.
