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Available at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg since the beginning of September / Used for early-stage Alzheimer's / Goal: maintaining mental performance for longer

Over 1.8 million people in Germany live with dementia, around two thirds of whom have Alzheimer's disease. Since the beginning of September 2025, a new therapy has been available at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg in the form of the drug lecanemab, which can slow down the progression of the disease in its early stages. For the first time, it not only treats the symptoms but also directly addresses the cause of the disease - which opens up a new perspective in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The drug treatment was approved in Europe at the end of 2024 and is now available throughout Germany following the conclusion of price negotiations with health insurance companies. It is used specifically for patients with the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Studies show that the loss of cognitive abilities can be delayed by half a year on average.

"This therapy is an important step in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease because it allows us to intervene directly in a central disease process for the first time," says Prof. Dr. Jonas Hosp, Senior Physician in the Department of Neurology and Neuroscience at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. "It is crucial to recognize the disease early - the earlier we treat it, the more healthy life time we can gain." Prof. Dr. Heinz Wiendl, Medical Director of the Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, adds: "We are talking about months in which people with the onset of Alzheimer's disease can continue to live independently. This is a major step forward for those affected and their relatives."

Targeted therapy for early onset of the disease

The new treatment option is aimed at patients who have been diagnosed with the first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. It targets certain protein deposits in the brain, known as amyloid plaques. These are considered to trigger the disease process, which leads to a decline in mental capacity. The drug supports the dissolution of the deposits and thus slows down the progression of the disease. A recent study showed that the progression of cognitive impairment could be delayed by around 27 percent on average as a result of the treatment. This corresponds to around six months of additional mental stability for patients.

Close monitoring required

A precise diagnosis is crucial for the success of the therapy. This is carried out at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg using modern imaging and biomarker analysis. Lecanemab is administered as part of an infusion therapy - every two weeks over a period of one and a half years. Treatment at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg takes place on an outpatient basis. Hospitalization is not required. Regular check-ups take place during the therapy. Using modern imaging, the occurrence of possible side effects such as local inflammation or minor bleeding as well as brain changes can be detected at an early stage.

Treatment complements existing therapies

"The new therapy does not replace existing treatment approaches, but complements them in a meaningful way. Cognitive training, social support and physical activity will remain central components of any Alzheimer's therapy in the future," says Hosp. Further studies are planned to investigate the long-term effects.