Alzheimer’s Drug Offers Hope for Early-Stage Patients

UConn Health is now offering a groundbreaking treatment for individuals with mild signs of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. This new drug, lecanemab, has shown significant promise in clinical trials by slowing the progression of the disease.

The Drug and Its Effectiveness

Lecanemab, also known as Leqembi, is a breakthrough monoclonal antibody that targets and removes an abnormal form of amyloid, a protein that builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimer's. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the drug significantly slows the rate of cognitive and functional decline in patients. In a Phase 3 research study, patients treated with lecanemab experienced a slower decline in cognitive abilities and activities of daily living compared to those receiving a placebo. This benefit translates to approximately five months of slower decline over an 18-month period.

Treatment Process and Side Effects

The treatment process involves administering lecanemab as an infusion every two weeks for at least 18 months. Each infusion lasts about an hour, followed by post-infusion monitoring. The drug is given in the Infusion Center on the 4th floor of the Outpatient Pavilion at UConn Health. As with all medications, there are potential side effects, which are generally mild and temporary. These can include headache, confusion, dizziness, changes in vision, nausea, or difficulty walking. Additionally, lecanemab can cause small areas of swelling or bleeding in the brain, known as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). ARIA is usually not symptomatic and is detected on regularly scheduled MRI scans. Patients who develop ARIA will be monitored closely, and some may need to stop treatment.

The Assessment Process

Determining patient eligibility for lecanemab is a thorough process. The James E.C. Walker Memory Assessment Program at the UConn Center on Aging collaborates with various departments to assess patients. This multidisciplinary team includes experts in radiology, neurology, emergency medicine, inpatient medicine, laboratory medicine, pharmacy, the infusion center, and ancillary services. They perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility and risk of side effects. The team also closely monitors safety and outcomes for all UConn Health patients receiving lecanemab.

Patient Experience and Support

Patients who qualify for lecanemab are a small, selective group. The team at the James E.C. Walker Memory Assessment Program ensures that each patient receives coordinated care. The program aims to make the treatment journey patient- and family-friendly by providing support throughout the process. Patients are excited about this new era of Alzheimer's disease management, although there are mixed feelings about the unknown aspects of the therapy. The program's goal is to help patients remain independent for as long as possible.

Availability and Challenges

While the drug offers hope for early-stage patients, there are challenges to its widespread adoption. Logistical barriers, limited insurance coverage, and financial considerations have impeded the widespread use of plaque-targeting Alzheimer's drugs. Establishing the necessary infrastructure for prescribing and administering these medications remains a hurdle for many healthcare facilities. Despite these challenges, UConn Health is committed to providing this treatment to qualified patients and supporting them throughout the process.

Conclusion

The approval of lecanemab marks a significant advancement in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The drug's ability to slow the progression of the disease offers new hope for individuals with mild signs of dementia. UConn Health's multidisciplinary approach to treatment ensures that patients receive the best care possible. While there are challenges associated with the treatment, the benefits of lecanemab make it a valuable addition to the arsenal of Alzheimer's treatments.: https://www.npr.org/2024/07/02/g-s1-7930/fda-approves-alzheimers-drug: https://today.uconn.edu/2024/07/alzheimers-drug-offers-hope-for-early-stage-patients/: https://www.youtube.com/watch?vqyNMiqvr7qU: https://twitter.com/UConn/status/1815373984067682814: https://today.uconn.edu/2024/04/new-alzheimers-treatment-available-at-uconn-health/