Delivering disease modifying dementia therapies at home: early experience with lecanemab and donanemab
Date and Time
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Theme / Track
Health, medical and integrated care
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Aim: To describe a real-world service evaluation of home-based administration of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies (AAMA) for the treatment of mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Background: AD treatment is changing, with disease-modifying therapies now available for people with mild AD. Lecanemab and donanemab are intravenous AAMA that target amyloid pathology. Donanemab was approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in May 2025, and lecanemab in September 2025, marking a significant shift in the Australian dementia treatment landscape.
Method: A retrospective review was conducted of patients referred to a national home infusion service who received lecanemab or donanemab between April 2025 and March 2026. Data extracted from electronic health records included patient demographics, amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, infusion-related reactions (iRRs), use of hypersensitivity-anaphylaxis standard orders (HASO), and transfer to hospital.
Results: During the evaluation period, 63 administrations of AAMA therapy were delivered at home, encompassing both lecanemab (3 patients, 51 infusions) and donanemab (7 patients, 12 infusions). Treatments were initiated and overseen by specialist clinicians and delivered by trained infusion nurses within established governance frameworks. Home administration supported ongoing therapy while avoiding repeated hospital attendance. One patient had focal neurological changes post-cycle 17 of lecanemab, resulting in a one-week delay in treatment. No patient had an iRR, required use of HASO or was transferred to hospital.
Conclusions: Home-based delivery of AAMA is a practical and patient-centred model of care for people with mild AD. In a population often impacted by cognitive impairment, mobility challenges, and carer dependence, home infusion may reduce treatment burden and improve access to emerging therapies.
Keywords
Dementia, Evidence Based Practice, Future Directions, Home Care, Innovation
Authors
Ms Aimee Byrne
Dr Sharni Wilkes
Dr Roger Clarnette