KU Researchers Develop Specialized Clinics for Alzheimer's Drug Access

Researchers at the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center have pioneered a specialized clinic model aimed at expediting access to new Alzheimer’s drugs. This innovative approach, detailed in a recent publication in the *Journal of the American Geriatrics Society*, is designed to address the increasing demand for effective Alzheimer’s treatments as the population ages.

The impetus for this model stems from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of the first new Alzheimer’s drug in nearly two decades in 2021, which is revolutionary in its ability to slow disease progression by clearing amyloid plaques from the brain. Currently, two such drugs, Leqembi (lecanemab) and Kisunla (donanemab), are available for early-stage Alzheimer’s patients. Dr. Jeffrey Burns, co-director of the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, emphasizes the urgent need for a new system to accommodate the anticipated influx of patients seeking treatment. “There are going to be a lot more people who want to know if they are a candidate for these drugs,” he noted.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2025 report, the number of Americans aged 65 and older diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is projected to reach 13.8 million by 2060. This emphasizes the critical need for a robust healthcare framework that can efficiently identify and treat patients eligible for amyloid-targeting therapies. The KU Anti-Amyloid Treatment Clinic (KU-AATC) was established in 2023 as part of this new clinic model, which embraces a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. The clinic streamlines the diagnostic and treatment processes, reducing the time patients must wait for evaluations and prescriptions.

The KU-AATC employs a team of specialists, including board-certified neurologists, neuropsychologists, and advanced practice nurse practitioners trained in dementia evaluation. This collective expertise is vital for managing the complexities of the new treatments, which require careful monitoring through intravenous administration and regular imaging assessments. Katelynn Kreszyn, the advanced practice nurse practitioner at KU-AATC, explains that the clinic's structure allows for a condensed workup process, ensuring timely treatment decisions. “It has to be determined that a patient is a good candidate for the drug in a very small window,” she stated, stressing the importance of early intervention.

The researchers believe that their clinic model can serve as a template for other healthcare systems facing similar challenges in the rollout of Alzheimer’s treatments. Dr. Burns affirms the importance of accurate diagnoses and timely decision-making in addressing Alzheimer’s disease, stating, “We’re trying to make it more accessible. That’s really the bottom line.” This innovative clinic model not only enhances patient access to groundbreaking therapies but also sets a precedent for future approaches to treating complex diseases.