Slowing the progression, offering access and hope

Alzheimer’s disease remains a growing challenge with not just the general population but also the Veteran community. Today, approximately 500,000 Veterans are living with Alzheimer's and new cases are projected to climb to nearly 540,000 by 2033. Research indicates that Veterans are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other dementias compared to the general population. Factors such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), exposure to Agent Orange, and chronic medical conditions contribute to this increased risk. 

Recognizing this urgent need, in 2023, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced coverage for eligible Veterans of two new anti-amyloid therapies, lecanemab (brand name: Leqembi) and donanemab (brand name: Kisunla), which are the first disease-modifying therapies approved for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. These infusion therapies were shown to slow cognitive decline by 25-35% over an 18-month period thereby delaying the progression of the disease by 4 to 5 months. 

The first Veteran patient at San Francisco VA Health Care System began treatment in March 2025 representing a significant step forward in access and hope. The availability of lecanemab and donanemab requires an interdisciplinary team of providers including neurologists, geriatricians, radiologists, pharmacists, and the expertise of San Francisco VA’s Memory Disorders Clinic and Infusion Center. Led by the Advanced Alzheimer's Therapeutics Committee, the new infrastructure that makes this treatment option available relies on a rigorous screening process, treatment planning, and safety monitoring with periodic MRI scans to oversee infusion reactions and assess for clinical benefit. 

Currently, only 11 VA facilities offer anti-amyloid therapies and San Francisco VA’s ability to do so reflects its expertise in the field of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. While this new infusion therapy is not a cure, it can slow the progression of the disease and help patients maintain their independence.