At The Kensington Falls Church, we recognize the pressing need for advancement in dementia and Alzheimer’s care. That’s why we’re exploring the new drug Leqembi and how it can help seniors with dementia.
To share our insights and the latest medical breakthroughs, we recently organized an educational webinar titled, “Exploring the New FDA-Approved Treatment for Dementia: How Can Leqembi Help My Loved One?”.
With esteemed neurologist Dr. Kenneth Wogensen paving the way, our attendees received a holistic understanding of dementia, its challenges, and the bright promise Leqembi brings to the table.
Read on as we dive into the significance of this groundbreaking drug, its impact on dementia, and how The Kensington Falls Church remains dedicated to pioneering dementia care and sharing vital knowledge.
Leqembi: The science and promise of a new Alzheimer’s drug
The medical world continues on a consistent quest to find treatment for dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Because of Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own, The Kensington Falls Church makes it our mission to partner with medical experts and professionals to stay on top of current research and help educate our residents, their families, and caregivers.
The new FDA-approved drug Leqembi is making waves in Alzheimer’s care.
The drug has been proven to target and remove amyloid plaques in the brain that cause the characteristic symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Amyloid plaques form aggregates in the brain, which are clumps of proteins. They’re the contributing factor to the neurodegenerative process of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Also known as lecanemab-irmb in its generic form, this new medication targets and helps clear protein aggregates in the brain that interfere with brain communication. With these amyloid plaques reduced or cleared out from the brain, it can slow down the progression of dementia or Alzheimer’s.
The advent of Leqembi provides hope for many affected by Alzheimer’s formed specifically by the accumulation of amyloid plaques.
This development has families and caregivers understandably optimistic about this potential new treatment for their loved ones.
Clinical trials and effectiveness of Leqembi
Leqembi clinical trials showed promising results, with 27% of participants experiencing an improvement in their cognition.
Over an 18-month period, there was a significant reduction in the progression of the disease in participants.
Why is the FDA’s endorsement significant?
The full approval of Leqembi by the FDA signifies that the drug has undergone rigorous testing and has proven its effectiveness against dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms. This kind of endorsement is a major leap in proving Leqembi is both safe and effective.
Given Leqembi’s full traditional approval, many insurance providers, including Medicare, are often more inclined to cover the costs. This ensures that more individuals can access this potentially life-changing treatment without a hefty financial burden.
Navigating treatment with Leqembi: Eligibility and side-effects
Leqembi is designed primarily for those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or with mild cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Seniors at these stages are more likely to benefit from the treatment, as it targets the slowing down of disease progression.
However, as with all medications, Leqembi includes side effects.
The most common ones include:
- Headaches
- Reactions related to the infusion process
- Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which can indicate small hemorrhages in the brain.
Because of the risk of ARIA, it’s important to be cautious when taking Leqembi with anticoagulant medications due to increased risks of brain hemorrhages.
A medical professional must make the call on whether the drug is right for each individual.
Medicare coverage for Leqembi
With full traditional approval from the FDA, Medicare has signaled its intention to cover Leqembi’s costs for eligible patients.
Currently, Leqembi costs $26,500 without coverage from insurance or Medicare support.
To be eligible to receive Leqembi, seniors must be diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer’s by their physician, and also be enrolled in Medicare Part B.
The Kensington Falls Church stays at the forefront of dementia and Alzheimer’s research
The Kensington Falls Church isn’t just another assisted living community—it’s a hub for keeping up with current research and helping educate our surrounding community, families, and caregivers on the latest breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research.
We’re here to provide guidance, support, and care, and remind individuals with the disease and those caring for loved ones that they’re not alone.
We not only offer exceptional assisted living solutions but also place a strong emphasis on partnerships and building relationships with our residents, caregivers, and families.
Our Life Enrichment programs and Kensington Events are designed to inform and empower our community, allowing families, caregivers, and others to gain insight and support into the intricate world of memory care.
The benefits of relocating a loved one with dementia to a specialized memory care community are plentiful.
In our caring and loving environment, your loved one is not only cared for by a trained team of healthcare professionals but they also become a part of a supportive extended family.
Take the next steps with The Kensington Falls Church
As a beacon of memory care excellence in Virginia, The Kensington Falls Church prides itself on its holistic approach to senior care.
While our memory care program is renowned, it’s our deep-rooted commitment to every resident that truly sets us apart. This dedication is rooted in Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Central to Our Promise is understanding the diverse needs of those with memory loss. This understanding has led to the creation of two specialized neighborhoods:
- Connections: Specifically for those in the early to mid-stages of memory loss, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, it fosters a sense of belonging and keeps residents engaged.
- Haven: This serene space is for individuals navigating mid to late-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. With 24/7 expert care, it ensures that every resident feels cherished and secure.
Our Alzheimer’s and Dementia care community provides additional layers of tailored support, reinforcing our commitment to excellence.
Tap into our hub of past events and information through Kensington Konnect, an online resource for caregivers and their families.
Ready to learn more or join our next event?
Reach out to The Kensington Falls Church. We’ll stand beside you, guiding and supporting you every step of the way.