Newsroom
Cyprus has administered its first dose of the Alzheimer's drug Donanemab, marking the introduction of a treatment designed to slow the progression of the disease in patients diagnosed at an early stage.
The treatment was given last week to a 72-year-old woman at the EOKA Fighters' Home (Melathron Agoniston EOKA) after she underwent specialist assessments and received approval from the Pharmaceutical Services, as the medication is not yet available on the Cypriot market.
The development was announced during a press conference by the centre's Scientific Director, neurologist Dr George Kaponides, together with neurologist Dr Eugenios Kinni.
According to Dr Kinni, Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia, accounting for about 80 per cent of all dementia cases. Between five and 10 per cent of people aged over 65 are affected, while the figure rises to around half of those aged over 85.
Around 16,500 people are currently living with Alzheimer's disease in Cyprus, with patient numbers expected to increase as the population ages and diagnosis becomes more common.
Dr Kaponides said Donanemab is intended for people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's dementia who meet strict eligibility requirements. Patients must also be able to follow an intensive monitoring programme because the treatment carries risks, including small brain bleeds and swelling.
The therapy is administered by intravenous infusion every four weeks over a period of 12 to 18 months. During that time, patients require regular MRI scans to monitor for potential complications.
Approved in both the European Union and the United States, Donanemab works by targeting beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. By helping the body's immune system clear these protein deposits, the drug can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in suitable patients.
Dr Kaponides described the treatment as an important addition to the options available for people diagnosed in the early stages of the disease and expressed hope that it will soon be included under Cyprus' General Healthcare System (GeSY).
People interested in the treatment can contact the EOKA Fighters' Home for an assessment to determine whether they meet the medical criteria. The therapy is not suitable for patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease.
