It’s the first in 25 years and it could change everything we thought we knew about ageing, memory loss, and early intervention.
Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of death for Australian women, and the second overall.
Let that sink in.
For decades, patients and their families have been told the same thing: We can support symptoms, but we can’t slow the disease. Until now.
This month, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved a new treatment, donanemab (brand name: Kisunla) — specifically for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. It’s the first drug of its kind approved in Australia in over a generation.
As the host of Western Port Vibes, I sat down with Dr. Paul Lin, a geriatrician who’s spent years working on the frontlines of dementia care, to unpack what this means for patients, caregivers, and our healthcare system.
Here’s what you need to know.
🧠 What Is Donanemab and How Does It Work?
Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody, an immune-based therapy that targets and removes amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s and are believed to disrupt brain function and accelerate cell death.
While previous drugs targeting amyloid failed to show meaningful results, donanemab slowed cognitive and functional decline by 35% in clinical trials for early-stage patients.
“Think of it like hitting the brakes on a car that’s rolling downhill,” said Dr. Lin. “You can’t stop it completely, but you can slow it down — and that buys time.”
👥 Who’s Eligible and Who Isn’t?
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment.
Donanemab is approved for:
- Adults in early symptomatic Alzheimer’s (mild cognitive impairment or early dementia)
- Patients who test positive for amyloid buildup in the brain (via PET scan or spinal fluid)
- Individuals who undergo genetic testing for the APOE ε4 gene (due to increased risk of side effects)
It’s not suitable for people in moderate to advanced stages of the disease. “If someone’s already experiencing severe memory loss, personality changes, or difficulty with daily living, this drug isn’t for them,” said Dr. Lin.
💰 What’s the Cost and Is It Covered?
Currently, donanemab is not subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
- The out-of-pocket cost: ~$4,700 per monthly infusion
- A full 18-month course could total over $85,000
- That doesn’t include the required MRI scans, specialist appointments, and follow-ups
Eli Lilly has submitted a PBS application, with a review expected in July. If approved, patients would only pay a standard co-payment. Until then, access is limited to those who can afford private costs or are part of early access programs.
“We risk creating a system where only the wealthy benefit,” Dr. Lin warned. “Equity has to be part of the conversation.”
🚨 Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Like any powerful drug, donanemab carries risks. The biggest? ARIA amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, which include:
- Brain swelling
- Micro-bleeds
- Headaches, confusion, or seizures in rare cases
This is why genetic testing is critical: people with two copies of the APOE ε4 gene are at higher risk of side effects. MRI scans are required before and during treatment.
“It’s not a casual pill,” said Dr. Lin. “This is a specialist-led, closely monitored therapy.”
🏥 Can Our Health System Handle This?
Here’s the honest truth: probably not yet.
- Infusion clinics are still being set up
- Memory specialists are already stretched thin
- GPs will need updated training to spot early symptoms, refer appropriately, and manage expectations
❤️ What This Means for Families and the Future
For families, this treatment offers real, evidence-based hope. Not a cure, but a shot at preserving independence and connection for longer.
Dr. Lin was clear: “Every extra month where someone remembers their grandchild’s name or can live at home independently, that’s priceless.”
But he also cautioned: “This isn’t a miracle drug. We have to balance hope with realism.”
✅ What You Can Do Now
If you’re a health professional:
- Start preparing for questions about donanemab — patients will ask
- Get familiar with mild cognitive impairment and early detection tools
- Refer early. The treatment window is short.
If you’re a patient or family member:
- Notice changes. Don’t ignore memory issues.
- Talk to your Atticus Health GP. Ask about assessments or referrals.
- Explore resources at Dementia Australia or call 1800 100 500.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just about a drug. It’s about a shift in mindset.
It’s a signal to families that they don’t have to stay silent. It’s a call to action for health systems to modernise. And it’s a reminder that brain health deserves the same urgency as any other major disease.
We’re not there yet, but we’ve taken a bold step forward.
If you want to hear the full conversation with Dr. Paul Lin, including how donanemab works and the behind-the-scenes challenges of rolling it out, you can listen to the special episode of Western Port Vibes here:
🎧 https://www.radiowesternport.org/western-port-vibes.html
Author Bio
Brett is a community health leader, project manager, and host of Western Port Vibes on Radio Western Port. With over 20 years of experience spanning financial services and healthcare innovation, Brett now leads projects focused on early intervention, equitable access, and healthy ageing across Victoria.