Lecanemab Approved for Early Alzheimer’s Treatment

The new treatment for Alzheimer’s makes screening for the disease more important than ever. Lecanemab has FDA approval for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s patients with a confirmed elevation of beta-amyloid. Patients with early Alzheimer’s dementia and MCI due to Alzheimer’s who showed evidence of beta-amyloid plaque buildup in the brain received the treatment. There has been no testing of the therapy on people with more advanced stages of Alzheimer’s or those without clinical symptoms.

Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Leads to Better Treatment

Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable neurological disorder characterized by the death of brain cells and brain shrinkage. People with this condition gradually lose their memory and thinking skills, which affects their ability to carry out everyday tasks, hold conversations, and solve problems.

The importance of early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease cannot be overstated. First, it allows people to receive appropriate medical care and support to manage their symptoms. Alzheimer’s patients with mild cognitive impairment and dementia can use the drug.

Research is advancing daily toward finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and new and effective approaches for improving dementia care and quality of life.
Most FDA-approved drugs work best for people in the early or middle stages of Alzheimer’s. Similar to Lecanemab, also known as Leqembi, which treats Alzheimer’s disease using monoclonal antibodies. However, research shows people with moderate or late-stage Alzheimer’s should not take Lecanemab. That’s why screening for Alzheimer’s is the best way to slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life.

Alzhemer’s Diagnosis

Following up on symptoms begins with finding a doctor you trust. In addition to evaluating your overall health, your doctor will determine whether any conditions might compromise the functioning of your mind.

There is no single test that can determine if a person has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. To make an accurate diagnosis, physicians combine diagnostic tools such as neurological exams, cognitive tests, brain imaging (MRI, CT, PET), cerebrospinal fluid or blood tests with information about medical history.

Discuss with your primary care physician the possibility of dementia diagnosis and whether he or she would refer you to a specialist if there are certain circumstances.

Cognitive Tests for Alzheimer’s Screening

A cognitive test measures how well your brain functions in a short amount of time. A cognitive test aims to detect problems with your mental function (the way your brain makes decisions). You will be asked to answer simple questions during the tests and perform simple tasks. These tests help your provider determine if you require further testing or have cognitive concerns. Below are our top cognitive test suggestions. You can use these tests to determine the possibility of Alzheimer’s onset.

Alzheimer’s App

Can Lecanemab Restore Lost Memories or Cognitive Function?

Alzheimer’s disease is irreversible and progressive, slowly destroying memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to perform simple tasks. Even though the cause of Alzheimer’s is not fully understood, the condition is characterized by changes in the brain, such as amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Changes in these areas affect a person’s cognitive abilities and memory.

There is no evidence that this or any treatment can restore or reverse dementia-related memory loss or cognitive impairment.

Can Lecanemab cure Alzheimer’s?

No, lecanemab is not a cure. For people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, this is a second approved treatment that addresses the underlying biology of the disease. Aduhelm was the first FDA-approved treatment.

When taken at an early stage of Alzheimer’s, these drugs will slow disease progression and allow individuals to lead more independent lives.

How to Receive Lecanemab Treatment

In the event that you or a loved one is experiencing memory changes, the Alzheimer’s Association strongly recommends that you speak with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and evaluation. Developing a treatment plan with the individual’s healthcare provider, including weighing the risks and benefits, is critical.

What Are The Side Effects?

All drugs can have side effects. Lecanemab has the same side effects as other anti-amyloid medications. The most common side effects were infusion-related reactions, headaches, and amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIAs). When designing a treatment plan, it is important to weigh the benefits and risks of all approved therapies.

To determine if you are a candidate for a treatment, you should speak with your health care provider. It is important to consider medications, supplements, and other conditions.

What is the Difference Between Aducanumab and Lecanemab?

The treatment involving monoclonal antibodies targeting beta-amyloid in the brain is similar but not identical. Ultimately, they slow the progression of the disease and reduce clinical decline at different stages of beta-amyloid plaque formation.

Lecanemab prevents amyloid plaques from forming in the brain, while Aducanumab removes beta-amyloid from the brain.

Lecanemab is effective in treating Alzheimer’s Disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia.

Final Words

Screening for Alzheimer’s is the best way to slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life. When you receive an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis, you may feel less anxious about why you are experiencing symptoms. In addition to maximizing your time together, you can access support and resources.

Neither Lecanemab nor any other treatment can restore or reverse dementia-related memory loss.

Those with moderate to late stages of Alzheimer’s should not take Lecanemab.