Call from Alzheimer Portugal: It wants government support in accessing new Alzheimer's drugs

Alzheimer Portugal wants dementia to be included among national health priorities in Portugal and public support for access to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

At the center of the call are lecanemab and donanemab, which are approved in Europe.

Although both drugs are commercially available in Portugal, they are not yet covered by public reimbursement support — comparticipação — according to Alzheimer Portugal's updated information dated August 31.

What do new drugs do?

Lecanemab and donanemab are antibody treatments that target the amyloid protein that accumulates in the brain in Alzheimer's disease.

According to the information provided by Alzheimer Portugal, clinical studies show a decrease in the rate of progression of cognitive decline by around 30 percent in a period of approximately 18 months.

There is an important distinction here:

These drugs are not a treatment that cures Alzheimer's or stops the disease completely.

The aim is to reduce the rate of progression of the disease in the appropriate patient group.

Not every Alzheimer's patient can use it

New treatments are being evaluated for certain groups of patients, especially those in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

According to Alzheimer Portugal, it is generally aimed at patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia who have not completely lost their independence.

These drugs are not indicated in moderate or advanced stage dementia.

In addition, other drugs used, genetic characteristics and the changes seen in the person's brain imaging findings may affect compliance with treatment.

Therefore, these are not standard Alzheimer's drugs that you can buy from the pharmacy and start yourself.

Serious side effects possible

One of the major risks of anti-amyloid treatments is brain imaging changes called ARIA — amyloid-related imaging abnormalities.

These may be associated with edema or bleeding in the brain.

Although a significant portion of cases may be asymptomatic or mild, serious complications may occur in some cases.

For this reason, the treatment is carried out by experienced doctors in a hospital environment and regular checks such as MRI scans are required.

Alzheimer Portugal also notes that various tests may be required, including evaluation of APOE4 genetic status.

The problem is no longer just finding the drug

Here is the important point of Alzheimer Portugal's call.

Lecanemab and donanemab are now commercially available in Portugal; However, the lack of repayment support can create economic inequality in access.

The association therefore wants new treatments to be included within the scope of public support for eligible patients.

He also argues that dementia should have a higher priority in Portugal's health policies.

Old Alzheimer's drugs have support

Distinguishing between new anti-amyloid drugs and some long-used Alzheimer's drugs in Portugal It is necessary.

Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine are already supported to certain extent by the SNS.

The issue being discussed for the new generation lecanemab and donanemab is whether these drugs will be included in the public reimbursement system.

Resources

Alzheimer Portugal — Novos Fármacos para a Doença de Alzheimer, 31 August 2026

https://alzheimerportugal.org/novos-farmacos-para-a-doenca-de-alzheimer/

Alzheimer Portugal — Inibidores da Colinesterase

https://alzheimerportugal.org/inibidores-da-cholinesterase/

Correio da Manhã — September 21, 2026

https://www.cmjornal.pt/sociedade/amp/associacao-quer-apoio-para-medicamentos-de-alzheimer