A study suggests that Leqembi (lecanemab), one of the first amyloid-targeted treatments for Alzheimer's disease, may help people maintain their cognitive abilities for longer than previously thought. Researchers reported at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 that more than 75% of patients with early Alzheimer's disease remained stable, while nearly 7% showed improvement after receiving Leqembi for an average period of 17 months. Leqembi's Effect On Alzheimer's Patients The findings come from the LEADER study, an ongoing observational study that evaluates the effectiveness of Leqembi outside the controlled environment of clinical trials. The analysis included people with early Alzheimer's disease, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's and mild Alzheimer's dementia. According to researchers: 75.9% of patients remained clinically stable6.6% improved by one disease stageNearly 83% were either stable or improved during treatment over an average follow-up of 17 months. The study is based on how the drug performs in routine medical practice, offering insight into its real-world effectiveness.Also read: Captain ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, ‘Miracle On The Hudson’ Pilot, Reveals Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Success In Earlier Clinical Trial Leqembi received approval in the US after the landmark CLARITY AD Phase 3 trial, which showed the drug slowed cognitive decline by 27% over 18 months compared with placebo in people with early Alzheimer's disease. The drug clears amyloid-beta plaques, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers believe that reducing amyloids may control the progression of the disease when treatment begins early. Commenting on the new findings, Dr. Michael Irizarry, Deputy Chief Clinical Officer and Senior Vice President at Eisai Inc., said: "These real-world data reinforce the meaningful impact that early diagnosis and treatment with LEQEMBI can have for people living with early Alzheimer's disease." The company said the results provide encouraging evidence that the benefits observed in clinical trials are translating into everyday clinical practice.Also read: WHO's New Dementia Guidelines Prioritize Healthy Habits, Warn Against Supplements Careful Monitoring Still Needed Despite the encouraging results, experts say that Leqembi is not appropriate for everyone with Alzheimer's disease. The treatment is suitable for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease with confirmed amyloid pathology. Patients receiving Leqembi require regular monitoring because the drug can cause amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which may involve brain swelling or bleeding. While many cases are asymptomatic, some can be serious, making MRI monitor an important part of treatment. Why Amyloid Clearance Matters? For years, amyloid plaques have been at the center of Alzheimer’s research. These protein clumps build up between neurons and are believed to interfere with communication and trigger inflammation, eventually killing brain cells. While there’s still debate over whether amyloid is a cause or symptom of Alzheimer’s, clearing these plaques remains one of the leading therapeutic targets. The latest real-world evidence presented at AAIC 2026 strengthens confidence in Leqembi as a treatment that may help slow the progression of early Alzheimer's disease. While the therapy does not reverse the condition or cure dementia, keeping patients clinically stable for longer could translate into more time with preserved independence and daily functioning.