As a part of Our Promise—to love and care for your family as we would our own—The Kensington Redondo Beach aims to keep caregivers educated about their loved ones’ conditions and remind them that they’re not alone.
We recently hosted the event, “Exploring the New FDA-Approved Treatment for Dementia: How Can Leqembi Help My Loved One?” to share information about a new, FDA-approved treatment for dementia and how it can help to stop the progression of dementia.
With special guest neurologist, Kenneth Wogensen, MD, leading the discussion, attendees were introduced to a wealth of knowledge and insights on dementia.
Dr. Kenneth Wogensen has had an illustrious career spanning three decades and is currently the director of the stroke program at Arcadia Methodist Hospital.
Our event covered key topics such as:
- How Leqembi combats amyloid plaques in the brain that cause dementia
- The clinical trials leading up to Leqembi’s FDA approval
- The eligibility criteria, potential side effects, and significance of Leqembi
- Medicare coverage for Leqembi
Continue reading for a detailed summary of our presentation on Leqembi and its treatment potential for Alzheimer’s.
What is Leqembi?
The new dementia and Alzheimer’s drug, Leqembi, also known by the generic name lecanemab-irmb, is a type of antibody that targets amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques are responsible for blocking the brain’s communication, which is the characteristic feature of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Leqembi has received full traditional approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first medication to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
The new drug was previously given accelerated approval in January 2023 due to its capacity to clear amyloid plaque build ups in the brain and received full traditional approval in July 2023.
Over time with consistent treatment, amyloid plaques can be reduced with Leqembi, which slows down the disease’s progression and possibly stabilizes the cognitive function in those affected by Alzheimer’s.
This is a promising new treatment for those affected by memory disease and offers a guiding light for seniors and caregivers alike.
Leqembi’s successful clinical trials
The phase 3 clinical trial for Leqembi saw the participation of 1,795 Alzheimer’s patients.
Over the span of the 18-month trial, there was a significant reduction in the disease’s decline in those treated.
Leqembi has so far showcased its efficacy, particularly among patients at the earliest phases of mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stages of Alzheimer’s.
Potential side effects of Leqembi
Every medication has associated risks and caregivers and their loved ones need to be informed.
Potential side effects of Leqembi include:
- Headaches
- Reactions related to the infusion process
- Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which are small hemorrhages in the brain
Caution is strongly advised when co-administering Leqembi with anticoagulant medications because of the heightened risk of brain hemorrhages.
The effectiveness of Leqembi
While not a cure-all for Alzheimer’s, Leqembi can curtail the decline in cognitive abilities and functionalities by an impressive 27%.
Currently, infusion centers are gearing up in preparation for the surge in new patients eager to try out Leqembi.
Leqembi must be prescribed by your physician who will determine if the drug is right for you.
Medicare accessibility of Leqembi
Following the FDA’s full traditional approval of Leqembi, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has expressed its intent to expand medical coverage for Leqembi.
Medicare will cover the cost for patients on the Medicare Part B plan. Patients must be diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer’s
Financially, the annual cost of the medication is $26,500 before any insurance or Medicare coverage.
How The Kensington Redondo Beach champions dementia and Alzheimer’s care
A part of living Our Promise is an unwavering commitment to not only remain at the forefront of new developments but also to share that information with the caregiving and aging community. We strive to be a resource for everyone, even if they cannot live with us and aren’t a part of the Kensington Redondo Beach community.
We don’t just stay informed and share information, we work the latest research into the core of our treatment at The Kensington Redondo Beach.
Cutting-edge research with a loving touch
The Kensington Redondo Beach strives to provide the most up-to-date, effective, and loving care for our residents. This can be felt throughout our Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory care neighborhoods.
Educating the broader community with free events
Through a continuous line-up of events, workshops, blogs, and free seminars, The Kensington Redondo Beach ensures that education and most importantly—hope— are available to all who need it.
That includes our residents, their families, caregivers, and the surrounding Redondo Beach community.
We offer a full calendar of informational events and Kensington Konnect, our hub of resources including podcasts, videos, recipes, groups, and more to provide support and guidance.
Our Promise
Everything we do is motivated by Our Promise, to love and care for our family as we do our own. We want everyone in the Kensington family to remember that they are not alone on this journey with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
We’re with you through every new development in memory care and beyond.
Excellent dementia care at The Kensington Redondo Beach
The Kensington Redondo Beach is an assisted living and memory care community located in Redondo Beach, California. But much more than that, we’re a beacon of hope for you and your loved one with dementia.
Because we recognize the enhanced need for care as seniors progress in their condition, we’re created two specialized neighborhoods to provide optimum care and comfort to our residents:
- Connections: Catering to individuals in the early to mid-stages of memory loss, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, this neighborhood is designed to foster engagement, connectivity, and a sense of belonging.
- Haven: Specially crafted for those experiencing mid to late-stage Alzheimer’s, dementia, or memory loss, Haven offers a tranquil environment paired with 24/7 meticulous care and supervision, ensuring every resident feels secure, understood, and cherished.
Contact The Kensington Redondo Beach today. We’re ready to listen and provide unparalleled care to you and your family.