Health Canada decision on Alzheimer’s treatment opens new options for Canadians
10/28/2025
Health Canada has now approved the use of lecanemab for treating early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
The drug targets amyloid protein buildup in the brain, which is believed to be part of the brain-damaging effects of Alzheimer's disease.
“I applaud Health Canada's recent approval of lecanemab, the first new treatment for Alzheimer's disease in Canada in 20 years,” said Dr. Andrew Frank, cognitive neurologist with the Bruyère Health Memory Clinic and Investigator with Bruyère Health Research Institute. “While not a cure, lecanemab can slow Alzheimer's disease from worsening, which represents more time functioning independently, and more time with loved ones. We now need to think about the necessary health system changes that will make these new treatments accessible and equitable.”
Dr. Frank is also the newly appointed President of the Consortium of Canadian Centres for Clinical Cognitive Research (C5R), a national network of researchers and clinicians dedicated to clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and dementia. As part of his role, he will be guiding the deployment of new treatments and coordinating a national treatment registry to track the safety and effectiveness of these treatments across Canada.
Despite the hope this offers, Dr. Frank explains that this treatment is not recommended for everyone and has associated risks and side effects, so it will be vital to have a comprehensive discussion with a physician.
Lecanemab has been shown to slow Alzheimer's disease by 25-35%, however, trials found there was a 3% chance of swelling or bleeding in the brain associated with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or even stroke-like symptoms.
Learn more about Alzheimer’s treatments, clinical trials, and what this means for the Canadian health system.
In the media:
Excitement around Alzheimer’s treatment tempered by questions about efficacy, accessibility
The Globe and Mail – October 28, 2025
Health Canada approves drug that slows progression of Alzheimer’s disease
CBC Radio – October 28, 2025
Approval of new Alzheimer's drug in Canada called historic
Ottawa Citizen - October 29, 2025
The Morning Rush - A new drug to treat Alzheimer's has been approved in Canada
CFRA 580 - October 29, 2025