What this study means for you

Families often ask: How much does Leqembi actually help? How soon? What changes should we expect in real life?

A new imaging study looked for early improvements in the brain’s waste-clearing system. It didn’t find measurable improvement in the first few months — but that’s completely consistent with what Leqembi is designed to do: slow decline, not reverse damage.

And when we place this imaging study alongside the major clinical trials, a realistic and hopeful picture emerges.

What the researchers measured — in plain English

The team studied the brain’s “clean-up pathway,” sometimes called the glymphatic system. Think of it as the brain’s night-shift cleaning crew, washing away waste proteins such as amyloid.

They used a special MRI tool (DTI-ALPS) that measures how smoothly fluid moves along tiny channels near blood vessels.

You don’t need the technical name. For caregivers, it’s enough to think:

“Did the brain’s drainage system look any better after starting Leqembi?”

What the study found — simplified

After about 3 months of Leqembi, the MRI marker changed by less than 1%.

What does “less than 1% change” mean?

• Like checking your gas gauge twice and seeing the needle in the same place
• Like stepping on a scale a second time and seeing a tiny shift too small to notice
• Like looking at a room before and after cleaning and seeing no visible difference yet

This simply tells us:

“The brain’s waste-clearing system did not show early, measurable improvement on this MRI test.”

This is not a failure — it’s exactly what we expect from a drug designed to slow worsening, not restore damaged systems in a few weeks.

How effective is Leqembi? (The bigger picture)

When we step outside this small MRI study and look at the major clinical trials, we get clear percentages:

• 27% slower decline on the main clinical scale (CLARITY-AD trial, 18 months)
• 26% slowing on a key cognitive measure
• >70% reduction in amyloid plaque (biomarker studies)
• Over 4 years, about 69% of continuously treated patients showed no decline and even slight improvement
• About 56% actually improved from their starting point

But what do these numbers really mean?

Breaking those percentages down

• 27% slower decline means:
  If someone normally worsens by 100 “units” in 18 months, with Leqembi they worsen by about 73 instead.
  The disease continues — but more slowly.
• >70% amyloid reduction means:
  The drug clears plaque, but clearing plaque does not restore memory already lost.
• 4-year stability/improvement numbers mean:
  In early-diagnosed patients who stay on treatment, the disease’s downhill slope can sometimes flatten for long stretches.

Positive outcomes from THIS research

Even though the MRI marker didn’t improve, the study provides real benefits:

1. It confirms realistic expectations

Leqembi slows decline — it does not reverse Alzheimer’s.
This study reinforces that message clearly and honestly.

2. It helps scientists focus on long-term change

Some brain systems take many months or years to show improvement.
The researchers recommend longer follow-up — and that’s good for future progress.

3. It guides more personalized treatment

Knowing which brain markers change early and which don’t helps tailor future therapies and imaging tests.

4. It supports transparency

Families get honest information.
Scientists avoid hype.
Trust grows.

5. It contributes to the research puzzle

Every study helps clarify how Alzheimer’s works — and how treatments interact with different brain systems.

What this means for caregivers

Here are the big takeaways:

1. Leqembi helps — but slowly.
   It won’t reverse damage, but it can give more time at earlier stages.
2. Early MRI changes aren’t expected.
   The brain’s repair systems move slowly; early scans often look the same.
3. Stay focused on the long view.
   Clinical improvements often show up months later, not weeks.
4. Daily care is still the foundation.
   Safe routines, sleep, calm evenings, gentle structure — these remain essential.
5. Talk with your neurologist about expectations.
   Knowing what the medication can and can’t do leads to better decisions and less disappointment.

What to expect in the future

• Larger, longer studies
• Better biomarkers
• More personalized treatment pathways
• Clearer explanations for caregivers
• Continued progress in slowing the disease

Science is building step by step — and every study adds another piece.