How sad is it to see your mother, father, or someone very close to you gradually forget everything? Alzheimer's disease, which begins with forgetting names and places, and not being able to remember even small things, gradually worsens over time. There is currently no cure for this disease. However, now there is a new drug called Leqembi (lecanemab) that can slow down the spread of the disease in the early stages. Let's talk about this simply and kindly today.
What does this drug called Leqembi actually do to the brain?
Simply put, Leqembi helps people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease to do their own things and live independently for a little longer.
Think of the nerve cells in our brains as being like the streets of a city. Information and memories travel along these streets. In Alzheimer's disease, a type of protein called 'amyloid beta' accumulates and becomes deposited like piles of garbage on these streets. We call this `amyloid beta plaques.' This pile of garbage obstructs the flow of information between nerve cells. That's why things like memory loss, inability to think, and confusion gradually occur.
Leqembi's drug does exactly this by cleaning the brain by removing these "amyloid beta plaques ." This reduces the disruption to communication between brain cells, slowing the progression of the disease.
The most important thing is that this medicine cannot restore lost memory. However, it can slow down the progression of the disease and allow the patient to live well for a little longer.
How to get this treatment?
This is not a pill you can take at home. Leqembi is a liquid medicine that is given into a vein (intravenous - IV infusion) . This treatment is given in a hospital or clinic, under medical supervision.
- Treatment schedule: This medication is usually given every two weeks.
- Time: Each session takes about an hour. However, the entire appointment may take longer because you will be monitored before and after the medication is given.
- Tests: Before starting this treatment, your doctor will do an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan to check for amyloid beta plaques in your brain. During treatment, MRI scans are also performed to see if the medicine is working and if it is having an effect on your brain.
It is very important to attend treatment sessions exactly as scheduled by your doctor. Skipping them may reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
Who is this medicine best for? Who is it not suitable for?
Leqembi is not a drug that can be given to all Alzheimer's patients. It is specifically targeted at those in the early stages of the disease. Let's explain this further in the table below.
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Those who are suitable for the medicine |
|
| Those who are not suitable for the medicine |
Genetic risk factors
Some people may have a genetic risk factor called the `homozygous apolipoprotein E gene.` People with this gene are at increased risk of developing ARIA (described below), a serious side effect of the drug. Therefore, your doctor may decide to do genetic testing before starting treatment, if necessary.
Should we also be aware of the side effects?
Like any medicine, Leqembi can have side effects. While some of these are minor, there are some we should be especially aware of.
| Side effect | Description and what to pay attention to |
|---|---|
| Infusion-related reactions | It can occur when the medicine is given intravenously or shortly after. Symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, changes in heart rate, and difficulty breathing may occur. The medical team is constantly monitoring this. |
| ARIA (Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities) | This is a side effect that you should be more careful about . This can cause small swelling or small bleeding in the brain. Many people have ARIA without any symptoms and it resolves on its own. But sometimes it can be serious. If you experience symptoms such as sudden severe confusion, dizziness, or severe headache , you should inform your doctor immediately. Doctors regularly check for this condition with MRI scans. |
| Other common side effects | Headaches are common. Talk to your doctor about any symptoms that are bothering you. |
Can it interact with other medications?
Yes, that is a very important question.
If you are taking blood thinners, such as aspirin, warfarin, or apixaban (Eliquis) , you should definitely tell your doctor about this. Taking these medications with Leqembi may increase the risk of bleeding in the brain (caused by ARIA).
Additionally, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking so he or she can determine if this treatment is safe for you.
Take-Home Message
- Leqembi is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. It is a treatment that slows down the rate at which the disease worsens.
- This treatment is best for those in the early stages of the disease, with mild symptoms.
- The drug works by removing `amyloid beta plaques` that accumulate in the brain.
- During treatment, the doctor regularly performs MRI scans to monitor for side effects such as ARIA.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially blood thinners.
- It is very important to make a decision after carefully discussing with your doctor whether this treatment is right for you and what its advantages and disadvantages are.
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