A new FDA approved treatment for early Alzheimer’s disease is causing excitement that there is something available that could slow the progression of dementia.

Donanemab (Kisunla™) is an anti-amyloid antibody intravenous (IV) infusion therapy that is delivered every four weeks. Taken in the early stage of the disease, the medication can allow people to have more time to participate in daily life and live independently, according to the Alzheimer's Association. 

“It’s an exciting step in the future of treatment,” said Wendy Farr, development manager for Northern Utah Alzheimer's Association Utah Chapter. “Previously medication focused on the symptoms, like cold medicine that alleviates a runny nose. That’s not a cure. It wasn’t curing the problem at its core.”

Finally there is an option for a family to consider, she said. “That’s the exciting part that it could help in slowing cognitive decline. There are treatments available based on what your medical provider would recommend.”

Farr said they’re now at the point that cancer treatment was 30 years ago. “Thirty years ago there was a different outcome for cancer than what it is these days. Look at how many lives were spared because research was improved for cancer because people kept pushing it forward.”

It’s (medication) not for everybody, said Farr. “But it’s a jumping off point. The next few years will be really accelerating.”

A big component of the Alzheimer’s Association is research, she said. “We assess studies from over 56 different studies around the world. We see what works in other cases in the world and look at why those are working, what they are doing to help support caregivers and how we can apply that here as well.”

A couple of weeks ago there was a conference of more than 10,000 scientists with poster board presentations, said Farr. “The entries were small, individual studies that may seem inconsequential. But they were able to gather people from all levels in pharmacology, medical, etc.”

They found a correlation between dementia and eating red meat, she said. “We helped to fund that. We’re trying to fund various things that can impact health and lifestyle factors.”

Farr said the association has updated its education classes on prevention. “We used to say what not to do, now we’re saying what are the 10 health habits that can make a difference. We didn’t know how impactful it was to monitor blood pressure and diabetes and whether it’s being managed. Being proactive about getting enough sleep. Those are all significant factors.” 

In the past there were 10 suggestions, she said. “About seven out of 10 were health related. It’s not just about eating well but having a healthy weight. Previously education materials said it ‘may’ have an impact. Now it says it ‘can.’ It’s of huge significance in science. The next level will be ‘will.’ I’d love to get to that in the future. As great as research is, it's important to implement it into your daily life.”

Farr said the organization is always looking for ways to help the caregivers of someone with Alzheimer’s. “We want to alleviate the stress on caregivers. We offer in person training and education at no charge to the families. It’s 100% donor supported.”

There is assistance available 24/7 any time of day, she said. “When help is most needed it is usually not between 8-5. They can call and reach a live person and get basic information or if it’s a specific crisis situation they will be transferred to a master level person who can process the current situation and provide options. It’s available whenever it is needed at 1-800-272-3900.”

The Alzheimer’s Association is holding a Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 28 at 9 a.m. at Weber State University. “It’s not about the activity,” said Farr. “The value and significance of walking with 200 other individuals is that we’re united, regardless of our role, in solidarity to focus on finding a cure to end the impact this has on our families. It’s inspirational.”

The Alzheimer’s Association can’t wave a magic wand and make it disappear, said Farr. “But we can sweep the pebbles and stones from the pathway so that they can focus on what is and what isn’t important so that their journey can really be better because of the resources they’ll find.”

For more information about Alzheimer’s or the walk visit alz.org.