Providers
Alzheimer’s drug gets full FDA approval
CMH neurologist weighs in on impact of new medication
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval to Leqembi, an Alzheimer’s drug, on Thursday, July 6, for patients with mild dementia and other symptoms caused by early Alzheimer’s disease.
Curtis Schreiber, M.D., board-certified neurologist and headache medicine specialist at CMH Neurology & Headache Center, Missouri Memory Center and CMH Research Department, shared his thoughts on the approval:
“July 6, 2023, was a day of celebration for patients, caregivers and medical care providers grappling with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. We have crossed over, for the first time in history, from simply managing the symptoms of this life-changing disease to having new tools that can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Finally, with the full FDA approval of Leqembi, patients with the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease may have the option to consider treatments that directly attack the brain changes caused by Alzheimer's disease, but even more importantly, slow the effects of Alzheimer's disease on what matters most, living life with more independence.
Leqembi, being the first drug to receive full FDA approval for slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, opens the door to this exciting new era for Alzheimer's disease treatment. More good news for patients is that there will likely be even more Alzheimer's disease treatment options coming soon.
It is important to know that this type of treatment is only available for patients with the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease. Also, not every person with the earliest stages will be a good candidate. Every patient, their family and their medical care providers will need to carefully balance the positive effects of this type of medication to the possibility of side effects. Last but not least, a number of additional tests will need to be done to confirm that this type of medication is the right fit for each person.
This exciting news should be a call to action for all of us—patients, family members and care providers alike—to be vigilant in monitoring for early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and to act promptly to get things checked out. An early, accurate diagnosis will allow more people to consider the options we now have in our arsenal of treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
At Missouri Memory Center and CMH Research Department, we continue to serve patients from our region with Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders. Our research department has opportunities for patients who may wish to consider participating in clinical trials exploring new options for treating Alzheimer's disease.”
For more information about CMH Neurology & Headache Center, Missouri Memory Center or the CMH Research Department, call 417-328-7781 or email kasie.atchison@citizensmemorial.com.
