A recent study has revealed a significant gap between interest and access when it comes to new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease in Japan. Despite growing awareness and curiosity about the latest medications, fewer than one in five patients who expressed interest actually went on to receive them.
Researchers found that several barriers stand in the way. One of the biggest hurdles is strict medical eligibility criteria. Not all patients qualify for these treatments, which are often targeted at specific stages of the disease. In addition, concerns over potential side effects have made both patients and their families hesitant to proceed.
Two of the most talked-about drugs, lecanemab and donanemab, are covered under Japan’s universal healthcare system. However, coverage alone has not guaranteed widespread use. The annual cost of these treatments—around ¥3 million per patient—remains a significant consideration, even though government support programs help limit out-of-pocket expenses.
That said, financial concerns may grow in the near future. Planned increases in the caps for patient contributions, set to roll out gradually starting in August, could make these therapies less accessible for some.
The findings highlight a broader challenge in modern healthcare: innovation alone is not enough. Even when groundbreaking treatments are available, factors such as cost, safety concerns, and eligibility requirements can prevent them from reaching the people who need them most.