Leqembi: A New Era in Alzheimer's Care FDA approval of Leqembi (lecanemab) is a major advance in Alzheimer's treatment. Here's what you need to know: 1. Targeted for Early Stages: Leqembi is approved for early-stage Alzheimer’s patients, mainly 65 and older. 2. Leqembi slows the progression of the disease, reducing memory and cognitive decline by 30% over an 18-month period. 3. How It Works: The drug targets brain amyloid plaques, a key Alzheimer’s marker, to slow disease progression. 4. Eligibility and Administration: For mild Alzheimer’s cases, the drug is given via bi-weekly IV infusions. Efficacy for severe cases is unknown. 5. Accessibility challenges include limited initial access, especially in rural or underserved areas, and potential difficulties with brain imaging for side effect monitoring. 6. Mild infusion-related anxiety or shortness of breath are common. Serious side effects, such as brain swelling or microhemorrhages, occur in about 25% of cases. 7. Medicare covers 80% of the $26,500 annual cost, but out-of-pocket expenses may apply for imaging scans. Leqembi provides accessible and affordable care, but understanding its limitations is crucial. #AlzheimersCare #Leqembi #HealthcareInnovation #SeniorHealth #MedicalAdvancements
