By Joe Besnard
People ask me all the time what treatment I had. It was Kisunla (donanemab), an FDA-approved infusion for early Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s what it was like for me and what I’ve learned about it. Everyone’s situation is different, so please use this to start a conversation with your own doctor, not to make a decision on your own.
What it is
The FDA approved Kisunla in July 2024 for adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s, meaning mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, who have confirmed amyloid plaque in the brain. It’s an antibody given by IV that helps the body clear that plaque.
In the main clinical trial, people on Kisunla declined about 22% more slowly than people on a placebo over 18 months, and about 35% more slowly among those at the earliest stage. It isn’t a cure, but it can buy time, and time matters.
What it was like for me
It took about three months to get started while approvals and insurance were worked out. My first infusion was in November 2024. After that it was one day a month, about half an hour in the office. It’s no big deal.
One thing that sets Kisunla apart is that it was the first of these treatments where you can stop once the plaque is cleared. In July 2026, my PET scan couldn’t find the plaque at all, and my doctors told me I could come off the medicine. I finished my 20th and final infusion in September 2026.
Things worth knowing
It’s for the early stages. That’s the biggest reason to get checked early. If you wait too long, you may not qualify.
Testing comes first. Your doctor has to confirm amyloid plaque, usually with a PET scan or spinal fluid test. Newer blood tests can help decide who needs those.
There are risks. The main one is called ARIA: temporary swelling or small bleeds in the brain, usually found on routine MRI scans and often without symptoms, but sometimes serious. In July 2025 the FDA approved a slower starting dose that lowered that risk. Your doctor may also suggest a genetic test, because some people carry a gene that raises it.
Start insurance early. Approvals can take a while, so get the process going as soon as you and your doctor decide it’s right for you.
Questions to bring to your doctor
Could I be a candidate for Kisunla or Leqembi?
What tests do I need to find out?
How would we watch for side effects?
How long would treatment last for someone like me?
You can read more about current treatments from the Alzheimer’s Association, and find places in Tampa Bay that offer memory testing on our Resources page.
This post shares Joe’s personal experience and general information. It is not medical advice. Kisunla isn’t right for everyone, and results vary. Always talk with your own doctor about diagnosis and treatment.
