Alzheimer’s is a heartbreaking and devastating illness that has no cure. It is a type of dementia that robs its victims of their memories, ability to communicate, and often their quality of life. As the disease progresses, the pain it inflicts grows ever more severe. On the surface, Alzheimer’s is largely a physical condition, and many of the symptoms are primarily physical. Memory loss and difficulty finding the words to communicate are among the most noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, physical effects become more apparent. Patients may have difficulty with coordination and may be prone to falls. Common behaviors associated with the disease include wandering, agitation, aggression, and hallucinations.
Friday marked a turning point for the fight against Alzheimer’s, as the FDA approved a drug for the illness. After years of research, Leqembi has been shown to have the potential to significantly slow the rate of decline in memory and other skills in those with early stages of Alzheimer’s, though the potential safety risk requires careful consideration by both doctors and patients.What makes Leqembi unique is its ability to target the disease’s underlying biology and result in a slowing of the dementia progression. While other treatments focus on reducing symptoms, Leqembi ultimately works to slow the pathological processes that cause degeneration and mental decline.
While not a cure, the drug helps stabilize symptoms, offering hope for those suffering from Alzheimer’s as well as their caregivers.The approval of Leqembi is a breakthrough for researchers, patients, and their families, who have long had limited treatment options in the fight against this heartbreaking, progressive illness. For anyone living with an early stage of Alzheimer’s, or caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, there is finally something that can be done to help slow the disease and improve quality of life.
