Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly erodes memory and other intellectual abilities. It’s estimated that over four million Americans suffer from this condition, which usually begins after age 60.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
- Short-term memory loss
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Problems with language
- Disorientation to time and place
- Misplacing things
- Rapid, unpredictable mood swings
- Changes in personality
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of ability to recognize who people are, even people well known to the individual, such as his or her child or spouse
What treatments are available?
While no cure or treatment is available to reverse the deterioration of Alzheimer’s disease, there is a treatment to slow its progression. In a large, 18-month study, intravenous (IV) infusion treatment with LEQEMBI was proven to slow the progression of early Alzheimer’s disease, helping people remember, solve problems, and complete daily activities for longer.
LEQEMBI is for people who are experiencing:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease. This is when symptoms like forgetfulness and confusion are very mild and may not get in the way of daily life.
- Mild Alzheimer’s dementia. This is when symptoms like trouble keeping track of bills and difficulty with familiar tasks start to get in the way of daily life.
People with Alzheimer’s disease have a protein called amyloid that continuously builds up in the brain. It starts with small forms of amyloid protein. These may clump together into larger forms, damaging brain cells. As they build up, they can form harmful amyloid brain plaques.
LEQEMBI is thought to work by targeting harmful amyloid proteins and reducing existing amyloid brain plaque.
For more information on this treatment, contact
3201 Springhill Drive, Suite 100-A
North Little Rock, AR 72117
There are also medications available to assist in managing some of the most troubling symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, such as depression, behavioral disturbance, and sleeplessness. Physical exercise and social activity are important in managing the disease, as are proper nutrition, health maintenance and a calm and well-structured environment.
What support is available?
The Ginny and Bob Shell Alzheimer’s Center at Parkway Village is the only free-standing center in Arkansas devoted to people with Alzheimer’s disease. The 32-bed, 30,000-square-foot facility provides a compassionate place for residents to receive beneficial social interaction, medical care for chronic health conditions, and support groups for patients and family members.
Baptist Health also offers an Alzheimer’s Support Group at the Ginny and Bob Shell Alzheimer’s Center. For more information, please call (501) 202-6105.
