The Region Four Area Agency on Aging is welcoming the FDA’s approval of a drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Spokesperson Alexandra Newman tells us the agency this month approved Leqembi, which has been shown to slow the disease.
“It just makes it possible, it gives some hope to folks who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or that maybe have a family history of Alzheimer’s,” Newman said. “They have some hope that they can live a little bit longer and live a life that’s a little bit more meaning and impactful and independent.”
Lequembi has been shown to slow cognitive decline by 27% with 18 months of treatment. Newman says the Area Agency on Aging works with many people who suffer from dementia, launching a Dementia Friendly Communities movement in 2022. She says to have a Dementia Friendly Community, people have to be willing to talk about the issue.
“It’s almost a dirty word. People are nervous about what that means. They call people with dementia crazy, and really, they’re just people like us who have a disease and we should be caring and supportive of those folks.”
Newman says the Area Agency on Aging has several programs for those experiencing dementia and their loved ones. Another bright spot about the approval of the new drug is that it’s expected to be covered by Medicare.
