‘A Significant Step Forward’ in slowing Alzheimer’s disease

On Nov. 2, 2023, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health administered its first infusion of the anti-amyloid drug lecanemab (LEQEMBI®) for the treatment of mild Alzheimer’s disease.

Dan Harrington, 64, was the first to receive the drug at the Lou Ruvo Center for the Center in a clinical setting following lecanemab’s July approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He and his wife, Andrea, are grateful for the opportunity to try this new treatment.

New hope for patients and families

“Since I started in this field 20 years ago, patients and their families have often said, ‘If this is Alzheimer’s, you can’t even slow it down, right?’ Today, I can say, ‘Wrong. Now, there’s a treatment for this disease that is different from anything previously available,’” said Dylan Wint, MD, director, Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

“This drug can’t solve the dementia crisis, but it represents a significant step forward, slowing progression of Alzheimer’s disease and delaying some of its devastating symptoms versus simply managing current symptoms,” Dr. Wint said.

“We’re really excited about this,” said Andrea Harrington. “If it slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by a few months, then we can continue to make memories, enjoy what we have and do what we can for a few more months. We’re really grateful.”

Getting AHEAD of Alzheimer’s disease

The Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is the only site in Nevada participating in the AHEAD Study, a clinical trial that aims to continue making progress by testing whether lecanemab can delay or prevent symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease before they begin. Learn more at clevelandclinic.org/nevadaresearch or 702-701-7944.