The neurological community, particularly in the Canary Islands, is making an urgent appeal for the Ministry of Health to include new Alzheimer's treatments in public funding. These drugs represent the most significant advance in two decades in combating the disease, offering real hope for slowing its progression.
A specialist from the Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has emphasized that the main current obstacle is funding. Despite the fact that the molecules Lecanemab and Donanemab have demonstrated their ability to delay cognitive deterioration in early stages, the National Health System continues to block their access.
“"The main problem we are currently encountering is funding."
These medications act on the amyloid protein, associated with the development of Alzheimer's, and have managed to reduce the progression of deterioration by up to 30%. Although they do not offer a cure, they provide a valuable time margin for patients and their families, significantly improving their quality of life.
“"We are gaining time. After 18 months of treatment, we are talking about three months of cognitive benefit, but data is already emerging at four years showing between nine months and a year of good cognitive and functional performance."
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has already approved Lecanemab, but the Interministerial Commission for Drug Prices (CIPM) has rejected its public funding. This situation raises concerns about the potential creation of a disparity gap, where only those who can afford it privately would have access to these innovative treatments.
