At Kensington Senior Living, our endeavors have always been guided by Our Promise to love and care for our residents as we would our own family. That’s why we’re excited to share the latest developments in a new treatment for dementia—Leqembi.
Continuing our legacy of fostering education about memory care and diseases, we recently hosted an event “Exploring the New FDA-Approved Treatment for Dementia: How Can Leqembi Help My Loved One?”.
With the guidance of renowned neurologist Dr. Kenneth Wogensen, attendees were educated on the intricate world of dementia and the transformative impact of Leqembi.
Read on as we explore this new dementia treatment medicine, its implications, and how Kensington Senior Living is championing the cause of contemporary, research-backed Alzheimer’s care.
How dementia and Alzheimer’s develop—and how Leqembi helps
If you’re caring for a loved one with a memory disease such as Alzheimer’s, you know the hope that a possible new treatment brings.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of cognitive impairments that interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases.
Symptoms include memory loss, disorientation, mood changes, and difficulty completing familiar tasks.
What makes Alzheimer’s troublesome is the presence of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain, which are abnormal protein deposits that disrupt neural functions and lead to the symptoms of stiff movement, difficulty walking, and thinking.
Until now, most treatments could only manage the symptoms, however, Leqembi shows promise to halt the progression of the disease further.
It’s important to note that while Alzheimer’s is considered a form of dementia, not all dementias are considered Alzheimer’s.
Leqembi is only suited for treating dementias caused by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain (the main cause of Alzheimer’s).
Leqembi: FDA-approved dementia and Alzheimer’s treatment
Leqembi, or lecanemab-irmb in its generic form, is a groundbreaking drug specifically designed for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The new medication works by binding to amyloid-beta plaques in the brain and clearing them away using monoclonal antibodies.
As a monoclonal antibody, Leqembi can specifically identify these amyloid formations and, once bound to them, helps the immune system in clearing them out.
By removing the excess protein aggregates in the brain, Leqembi offers the potential to slow down or halt the cognitive decline associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The FDA’s recent full traditional approval of Leqembi is a testament to its potential and safety in treating dementia and Alzheimer’s, offering new hope for treatment for families dealing with the effects of dementia.
Leqembi’s clinical effectiveness
The phase 3 CLARITY AD clinical trial showcased Leqembi’s potential to slow the progression of dementia.
Participants in the trial experienced a 27% reduction in their disease’s progression over 18 months.
Leqembi for dementia: What you need to know
Leqembi is designed for those in the initial stages of Alzheimer’s or with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The drug is most effective in stopping the disease’s progression in these early stages.
Side effects associated with Leqembi
While Leqembi presents new hope in treating or curing the effects of dementia, it’s important to be aware of its side effects.
Common side effects include:
- Headaches
- Infusion-related reactions
- Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which signal potential small brain hemorrhages
It’s also important to note that clinical trials showed a negative interaction between Leqembi and blood thinners. Only a physician or medical professional should prescribe Leqembi and recommend whether it’s right for your loved one.
Medicare’s role in making Leqembi more accessible
Following Leqembi’s recent full traditional FDA approval, Medicare plans to expand its coverage to include the medication’s costs, which are currently around $26,500 without any coverage from insurance or Medicare.
To be eligible for a Leqembi prescription, individuals must have a diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment resulting from Alzheimer’s and be part of Medicare Part B.
Kensington Senior Living: Pioneering excellence in dementia care
Kensington Senior Living is more than just a group of senior care communities—it’s a commitment and passion for service and senior care.
Our seven communities are lovingly designed to cater to the unique needs of every resident, no matter how their needs increase. In our community, seniors can live their best quality of life in an environment where they can “Age in Place.”
We have crafted two specialized neighborhoods within all of our communities: Connections and Haven. Our Reston, VA, Sierra Madre, CA, and Kensington, MD, locations offer a third-tier of care called Kensington Club, specifically designed for those in the early stages of memory loss.
This ensures that each resident gets the proper care and devoted attention they need according to their condition.
Find a Kensington community near you:
- Northern California:
- Southern California:
- The Kensington Redondo Beach
- The Kensington Sierra Madre, also includes “The Kensington Club,” our early-stage memory care program for new and current residents.
- Maryland
- Kensington Park (Kensington, MD), also includes “The Kensington Club,” for new and current residents with mild memory loss
- New York:
- Virginia:
- The Kensington Falls Church
- The Kensington Reston, also includes “The Kensington Club,” our early-stage memory care program for new and current assisted living residents.
All of our communities are bound by the same Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own. Once a resident joins our community, they’re a part of our Kensington family. This extends to their caregivers and family members too.
Take the next steps in dementia treatment with Kensington Senior Living
At Kensington Senior Living, we believe in proactively seeking and integrating the latest advancements in dementia care. This helps us uphold Our Promise and take adequate care of the members of our Kensington family.
Our partnership with leading experts such as Dr. Kenneth Wogensen ensures that residents and their families benefit from our education and expertise on dementia and Alzheimer’s treatment.
Along with feeling empowered by information, we want caregivers to remember that they’re not alone.
When you’re ready to ask for help—reach out to Kensington Senior Living.
We’re here to lend a listening ear and a helping hand to you and your loved one.