New Alzheimer Treatments Reach Greece as 19 New Dementia Centres Planned

Greece has begun offering a new treatment that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in selected patients, with at least 35 people receiving the therapy at specialist hospitals over the past year, according to neurologist and psychiatrist Paraskevi Sakka.

Sakka, president of the Athens Alzheimer’s Association and the National Observatory for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, told Praktoreio FM that clinical trials show the monoclonal antibody donanemab can slow cognitive and functional decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

The treatment does not cure Alzheimer’s disease, she stressed, but offers a promising option for eligible patients who understand and accept its potential risks.

Sakka also outlined the eligibility criteria, possible side effects and treatment access arrangements in Greece, while announcing plans to expand the country’s dementia care network with 19 new Day Care Centres in the coming months.

Where Patients Can Access the New Alzheimer’s Treatment

Donanemab, a monoclonal antibody that targets beta-amyloid protein in the brain, has received approval from Greece’s National Organisation for Medicines (EOF).

Although patients cannot access the drug through the usual reimbursement procedures, doctors can request it through Greece’s Electronic Prior Approval System, which covers expensive medicines and drugs sourced from abroad.

At least 35 patients have received the treatment in Greece over the past year at the following hospitals:

• Attikon University Hospital

• Evangelismos General Hospital

• Tzaneio General Hospital

• University General Hospital of Patras

• University Hospital of Larissa

• Gennimatas General Hospital

• Hygeia Hospital

Patients should contact a specialist memory clinic or their treating neurologist to determine whether they meet the eligibility criteria.

The European Union has approved both donanemab and lecanemab for selected patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Donanemab is currently available on the European market and has also reached Greek hospitals.

Who Qualifies for the Treatment?

According to Sakka, the new therapies target patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Doctors must assess each patient individually before recommending treatment.

Patients may not qualify if they have serious systemic illnesses, such as advanced cancer, severe heart disease or serious rheumatological conditions requiring long-term treatment with significant adverse effects.

A history of certain serious strokes or brain haemorrhages can also exclude patients, as can the use of anticoagulant medication.

Patients must also be able to undergo regular brain MRI scans to monitor potential side effects.

Age alone does not automatically disqualify someone. The 35 patients currently receiving treatment in Greece range from 55 to 88 years old.

Sakka said an 88-year-old could qualify if they remain in good physical condition and meet the other medical requirements.

Serious Side Effects Affect Fewer Than 6% of Patients

Donanemab requires an intravenous infusion once a month during a hospital visit lasting approximately three to four hours.

The treatment can cause brain swelling or bleeding-related changes, which studies have reported in up to 20% of patients. However, Sakka said serious or symptomatic cases occur in fewer than 6% of patients.

Approximately 1.5% of patients discontinue treatment because of adverse effects.

Despite these risks, Sakka believes eligible patients should have the opportunity to consider the therapy after receiving full information about its potential benefits and complications.

Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses over 11 to 12 years, she explained, eventually causing severe cognitive impairment and loss of independence.

Clinical trial data covering approximately 18 months suggest that donanemab can slow cognitive and functional decline by up to 35%. This could allow patients to retain their cognitive abilities and everyday functioning for longer.

Long-term follow-up studies have also produced encouraging results, with the benefits of donanemab appearing to persist for up to four years.

However, Sakka emphasised that the treatment is neither a cure nor a universal solution.

Greece Has Around 250,000 People Living with Dementia

Sakka estimates that approximately 250,000 people in Greece live with dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for between 70% and 80% of cases, depending on the study.

She described dementia as a long-term condition that places considerable emotional and financial pressure on patients and their families.

Early recognition of memory problems remains important, particularly when symptoms begin to interfere with everyday activities.

Sakka explained that occasional forgetfulness, such as forgetting names or general information, does not necessarily indicate dementia. However, when memory loss affects a person’s ability to function independently, they should seek medical assessment.

Greece currently has 37 specialised public memory clinics across university and general hospitals, as well as Day Care Centres. Three additional clinics operate in private hospitals.

People who cannot access a specialist memory clinic nearby can consult a local neurologist or psychiatrist. Family doctors and general practitioners can also assess memory problems and arrange appropriate investigations.

Nineteen New Dementia Day Care Centres Planned

Greece plans to strengthen its dementia care network with 19 new Integrated Day Care Centres across the country.

Thirty-three Day Care Centres currently operate in Greece, seven of which also run mobile units.

Authorities have completed the process of assigning the new centres to eligible operators, mainly non-governmental organisations. The centres are expected to begin operating in the coming months, once the remaining administrative procedures are complete.

People seeking information about local services can visit the Athens Alzheimer’s Association website or call the dementia helpline on 1102, charged at the standard local rate, to find their nearest facility.

Prevention Can Begin Decades Before Symptoms Appear

Sakka stressed that dementia prevention should begin in middle age, well before memory problems emerge.

Research suggests beta-amyloid can begin accumulating in the brain up to 20 years before the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease appear.

She recommended several practical measures that can help people protect their cognitive health:

• Exercise regularly: Prioritise aerobic activity, alongside muscle-strengthening and balance exercises.

• Keep the brain active: Engage in activities that stimulate thinking and mental engagement.

• Eat healthily: Maintain a balanced diet and manage body weight.

• Control cardiovascular risk factors: Monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Avoid tobacco and consume alcohol moderately, if at all.

• Protect sensory health: Address hearing and vision problems.

• Prevent head injuries: Take precautions against injuries that may affect the brain.

• Stay socially connected: Maintain relationships and regular contact with other people.

Sakka concluded that although new treatments offer hope to people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, prevention, early assessment and access to specialised care remain essential.