Can Telehealth Improve Access to Amyloid-Targeting Therapies for Veterans Living With Alzheimer Disease?

Amyloid-targeting therapies, such as lecanemab and donanemab, offer new hope for managing Alzheimer disease (AD). Provision of these medications, however, is challenging for patients, care partners, and clinicians.

Telehealth has demonstrated success in the assessment and management of individuals living with dementia in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). It may substantially increase access to evaluation for veterans with early dementia and, when medically appropriate, amyloid-targeting therapies. Telehealth has the potential to overcome barriers related to transportation, access to specialists, and relieve the burden of frequent clinical assessments, as well as associated costs. Although telehealth is not without limitations, VHA is a leader in telehealth and has taken action to overcome patient barriers related to the digital divide.

The VHA is well-positioned to use a hybrid approach-both telehealth and in-person care-to support the provision of amyloid-targeting therapies for veterans with AD. Lessons learned can be extended to non-VHA care settings to achieve potential benefits for other patients with early AD.