Aducanumab, according to an article from the Alzheimer’s Association, is the Alzheimer’s drug recently approved by the FDA as a therapy to “potentially delay decline from the disease, compared to current medications that only address symptoms.”
The release of the drug has been proclaimed a marvel as well as shrugged off as “just another false hope” for this terrible, destructive disease.
The drug works by removing amyloid plaque from the brain which may postpone decline in people living with Alzheimer’s. While I appreciate the speculation that this drug might change the entire course of the disease, I meet it with skepticism, especially when the article I studied implements words like “potentially” and “may” instead of “definitely” and “will”.
Realizing that even though research and testing on this treatment have been going on for more than 10 years, I feel the offering is vague and does not offer peace or immense hope.
One excellent point of the researchers is “the importance of early detection and diagnosis to ensure individuals receive the most benefit as soon as possible.”
As with any disease, early detection and diagnosis are vital. Stopping a disease, or at least slowing it, means added quality of life.
Also called “Aduhelm” by drug maker Biogen, this infusion is not a cure but it has been shown to slow cognitive and functional deterioration, allowing more time for active daily life and independence. Studies were conducted with people with mild cognitive impairment who exhibited signs of amyloid buildup. It has not been tested on individuals with more advanced dementia.
An individual experiencing mild cognitive decline can speak with a health care provider for evaluation and diagnosis with Aducanumab as a treatment option. Administered through an IV, this 45-60-minute therapy every 4 weeks is most often conducted in a hospital or clinical setting.
Getting health facilities ready for the treatment is one challenge; the prohibitive cost is another. Yearly cost is estimated between $35,000-$56,000.
This shocking price limits providing the drug only to participants with lots of money or health insurers who are willing to take the expensive risk. Large-scale production and distribution will take time.
Many have asked me about this drug and research has helped me understand the possible benefits of Aducanumab, and I do remain encouraged about the possibilities.
It is simply that I see real advancement far down the road. A cure and reversal will come, but I do not believe it will be any time soon. Oh, my! I sound so negative, but I do want to be honest and modestly optimistic.
Other updates for you… at our Dementia Friendly Nevada meeting last evening we covered a wide variety of topics including building inclusion of more people in our endeavors to support those living with dementia and to offer education opportunities for all community members. I hereby invite you to attend out next Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca meeting at 8am, Tuesday, July 13, live at City Hall or via Zoom: 353 046 2536 Passcode: Gini.
We are open to ideas and suggestions for making our community strong, compassionate, and safe. We need and want everyone. Watch out! I am recruiting members and may soon by tapping on the door to your office or home.
One important topic of our evening came from Mary Lee, a women living with dementia. As a member of the Open Door Café, a pre-pandemic gathering in Reno, she stated that both caregivers and those living with dementia had attended. While discussion topics varied, a frequent focus was “Why, when the doctor gave the dementia/Alzheimer’s diagnosis, didn’t she remind me that I still can have a good life, that I can be an active and productive member of my community?
Why did the doctor shrug, speak only to an accompanying friend or family member, write a prescription, and then walk away?”
Ouch! This is terrible. Why would medical professionals behave so negatively, so indifferently? Would training, flyers, brochures help educate or would these be tossed on a desk or into the trash? So this morning while I swam, a thought stroked my brain. Doctors know, but ignore. Those with dementia deserve knowledge, support, and a listening ear.
The “Life with Dementia” briefing needs to fall into the right hands, the hands of the individual with dementia as a reminder that life and living can be good – maybe modified and adjusted with changes over time — but good.
A new flyer is in the works; Open Door Café Winnemucca will commence soon.
