Amidst the ongoing battle against Alzheimer’s disease, a glimmer of hope emerges with the potential of the new FDA approved drug – Leqembi. This groundbreaking drug carries the promise of bringing substantial positive changes to the lives of seniors grappling with the burdens of this neurodegenerative disorder.
Alzheimer’s disease is a formidable adversary, particularly among individuals aged 65 and older, where it accounts for a staggering 60-80% of dementia cases. Around 6.2 million seniors in the United States alone are currently living with Alzheimer’s. Leqembi offers the hope of restoring cognitive function, preserving memories, and enhancing overall quality of life.
Following the FDA approval of Biogen and Eisai’s Leqembi (the brand name for lecanemab), CMS just announced broader Medicare coverage for the drug and opened a registry for physicians to access. Individuals with Medicare should speak to their physician about whether this drug is right for them.
To receive Medicare coverage, people will need to: 1) be enrolled in Medicare, 2) be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia, with documented evidence of beta-amyloid plaque on the brain, and 3) have a physician who participates in a qualifying registry with an appropriate clinical team and follow-up care.
Individuals with Original Medicare will pay the standard 20% coinsurance of the Medicare-approved amount for Leqembi once they meet their Part B deductible. Costs may be different for people with Medicare supplemental coverage or other secondary insurance, or those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Brighter Future
Leqembi represents a promising departure from conventional treatments. This monoclonal antibody treatement is designed to target the root causes of the disease rather than simply managing its symptoms. Central to Alzheimer’s is the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, contributing to cognitive decline and memory loss. Leqembi takes a proactive stance by zeroing in on these amyloid plaques, aiming to clear them from the brain and potentially slowing or halting the disease’s progression.
By binding to both soluble and insoluble forms of beta-amyloid, the drug enables the removal of toxic protein aggregates, thereby preserving cognitive function and overall brain health. This novel approach not only holds potential for those already affected by Alzheimer’s but also offers hope to individuals at risk of developing the disease.
Looking ahead, the projection that the number of individuals aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease will nearly triple to around 13.8 million by 2050 underscores the urgency for innovative treatments like Leqembi
The ripple effect of Leqembi’s benefits extends beyond individuals to encompass their families and caregivers. Alzheimer’s takes an immense emotional, physical, and financial toll on loved ones. A drug that can potentially slow down or halt the disease’s progression could alleviate some of these burdens, affording families more moments of joy and connection with their affected seniors.
In the realm of Alzheimer’s treatment, Leqembi emerges as a symbol of hope for seniors seeking to maintain cognitive abilities, memories, and independence.
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