Alzheimer's

Overview

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually affects memory, thinking and everyday function. It is linked to a build-up of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. People in the early stages, with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, may be eligible for anti-amyloid therapy, which targets amyloid plaques.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Forgetting recent conversations or events
• Asking the same questions repeatedly
• Trouble finding words or following plans
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Changes in mood, judgment or personality

When to Contact a Provider

See a provider if memory or thinking changes are getting in the way of daily life. A specialist can look for the cause, which may include memory testing, brain imaging and tests that check for amyloid.

How Treatment May Help

Leqembi (lecanemab) and Kisunla (donanemab) are approved for people with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease who have confirmed amyloid in the brain. In clinical trials, they slowed decline on measures of memory and daily function compared with placebo. They do not stop or reverse the disease. Other medicines may still be used to help with symptoms.

Therapies That May Be Available at Infuse Care

• Leqembi (lecanemab): IV infusion on a schedule set by your neurologist
• Kisunla (donanemab): IV infusion every four weeks

Safety and Monitoring

These medicines can cause amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA): temporary swelling or small areas of bleeding in the brain, usually seen on MRI. ARIA often causes no symptoms, but it can be serious. The risk is higher in people who carry two copies of the ApoE e4 gene, so genetic testing is usually discussed before starting. MRI scans are required before and during treatment.

Report headache, confusion, vision changes, dizziness, nausea or seizures right away. Infusion reactions can also occur.

Your prescribing provider decides which treatment is right for you. Infuse Care administers prescribed therapies after a referral, a clinical review and any required insurance authorization, and we keep your provider's office updated on your care.