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Victor Aung
Victor Aung Member Posts: 1 Member
in Caring For a Spouse or Partner

Hi

Im taking care of my 72 years old wife who was diagnosed for the last 5 years. She's manageable and taking all prescribed meds. Did any one has an experience with recent new IV anti-amyloid infusions Donanemab or lecanemab? She was not qualified because she is in moderate stage.

Even if we are willing to pay out of pocket of pocket which is around $2300 a month we can't use it so far. Its expensive but those meds are showing good results in maintaining the progression not a cure though.

Thank you

Best

Victor

Comments

  • Jeff H
    Jeff H Member Posts: 86
    100 Care Reactions 25 Insightfuls Reactions 25 Likes 10 Comments
    Member

    Welcome to this forum.

    From what I have learned, it's for early stages only. Usually by IV infusion every 2 weeks for 1 1/2 years. Very expensive. It slows the progression by about 27%.

  • harshedbuzz
    harshedbuzz Member Posts: 6,245
    Ninth Anniversary 1,500 Insightfuls Reactions 1,500 Likes 5000 Comments
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    @Victor Aung

    Some of the reports I've read regarding the newer injection medications suggest they don't seem to work as well for women, people of color and the elderly. Given the risks and additional testing that are part of the protocol, I personally wouldn't consider it.

    HB

  • harshedbuzz
    harshedbuzz Member Posts: 6,245
    Ninth Anniversary 1,500 Insightfuls Reactions 1,500 Likes 5000 Comments
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    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250318175021.htm
  • Dusty217
    Dusty217 Member Posts: 13
    25 Care Reactions 10 Comments
    Member

    My DH is in the early stages. The IV medication is every 2 weeks for lecanemab, The other I think is monthly. Side effects are of concern . MRI must be done frequently. We are looking into it. He is still a candidate and now that it is FDA approved insurance/Medicare is helping with payment. I'm not sure what our cost may be. DH had blood work and a PET scan this week and we see neuro end of month and they will determine if he can have it. I can comment more after that. 27% slowing I'm now not sure if worth the risks and 18 month commitment.

  • Goodlife2025
    Goodlife2025 Member Posts: 270
    250 Likes 100 Care Reactions 100 Comments 25 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member
    https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/267490#Comment_267490

    This has been my understanding as well.

  • Jeff H
    Jeff H Member Posts: 86
    100 Care Reactions 25 Insightfuls Reactions 25 Likes 10 Comments
    Member

    I believe they are making progress, but to sit through IV injections every two week for 1 1/2 years seems extreme to me to slow the progression by up to 27%. Not to mention the cost.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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