If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s, you may be hearing about a treatment called Leqembi. With a new approach to managing cognitive decline, this medication is helping redefine what’s possible in Alzheimer’s care.
At Smart Infusion in Madison, WI, we provide personalized Leqembi infusion therapy in a calm, private setting designed for your comfort and safety. Our experienced team is here to walk you through how Leqembi works, what to expect from treatment, and how it may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Schedule a consultation to learn more.
Keep reading to discover how this advanced medication targets Alzheimer’s-related changes and what it could mean for your care journey.
What Is Leqembi?
Leqembi (generic name: lecanemab) is a prescription monoclonal antibody therapy developed to treat patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s. It was granted traditional FDA approval based on clinical trial data demonstrating its ability to slow disease progression rather than just manage symptoms.
Unlike older Alzheimer’s medications that primarily aim to temporarily boost neurotransmitter levels for symptom relief, Leqembi targets a core pathological feature of the disease: the buildup of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain.
These sticky protein aggregates are thought to disrupt communication between neurons, trigger inflammation, and contribute to the progressive loss of brain function. By addressing this underlying cause, Leqembi represents a new approach in Alzheimer's care focused on modifying disease activity.
How Leqembi Works: The Science Behind It
The effectiveness of Leqembi lies in its mechanism of action as an anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody. Here’s what that means in practical terms:
- Targeting Amyloid-Beta Protofibrils: Leqembi is engineered to specifically bind to soluble amyloid-beta protofibrils—a form of amyloid that accumulates early and contributes to the formation of plaques. These protofibrils are considered highly toxic to brain cells and are involved in initiating and sustaining the neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer’s.
- Flagging Plaques for Clearance: Once Leqembi binds to these harmful amyloid clusters, it marks them for removal by the body’s immune system, particularly by activating microglia (immune cells in the brain). This helps reduce the overall amyloid burden in brain tissue.
- Slowing Cognitive Decline: Leqembi helps preserve neuronal function and delay further damage by clearing or reducing amyloid plaques. This can translate to a slower rate of memory loss, improved ability to perform daily tasks, and an extended period of functional independence.
In large clinical studies (such as the CLARITY AD trial), patients treated with Leqembi experienced a statistically significant reduction in cognitive and functional decline compared to those who received a placebo. While it is not a cure, Leqembi is one of the first therapies to show disease-modifying potential by targeting a core feature of Alzheimer’s pathology.
What Benefits Can Patients Expect?
Leqembi is approved for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease who test positive for amyloid pathology, usually confirmed through brain imaging or cerebrospinal fluid testing. When started early in the disease course, Leqembi offers meaningful clinical benefits by helping to slow the underlying disease process.
Patients who begin Leqembi infusions as part of a comprehensive treatment plan may experience:
- Slower progression of memory loss and cognitive decline, as demonstrated in large-scale clinical trials.
- Improved ability to maintain independence in daily routines, such as managing medications, preparing meals, or engaging in social activities.
- Extended time for families and caregivers to plan ahead, adapt to the diagnosis, and provide meaningful support during the early and middle stages of the disease.
It’s important to remember that Leqembi is not a cure. However, by reducing the amyloid plaque burden in the brain, it may help preserve cognitive function longer than standard care alone—especially when initiated before significant neurodegeneration has occurred.
Is Leqembi Safe? Common Questions About Side Effects and Monitoring
Leqembi is generally well tolerated, but like any medical therapy, it does come with potential risks. Most side effects are mild to moderate, and your care team will monitor closely for any signs of concern throughout treatment.
Commonly reported side effects include:
- Headache
- Infusion-related reactions, such as chills, nausea, fever, or dizziness during or shortly after the infusion
- Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA): This refers to temporary brain swelling (ARIA-E) or small brain bleeds (ARIA-H) detected on MRI scans. Most cases are asymptomatic or mild, but symptoms like confusion, headache, or visual disturbances may occur in some patients.
Because of the risk of ARIA, regular brain MRI scans are recommended during the first few months of therapy. Your provider may adjust your dosing schedule or pause treatment if any abnormalities appear.
Before starting Leqembi, patients and families should have a thorough discussion with their healthcare provider to determine eligibility, review potential risks, and understand the safety monitoring protocols involved.
At Smart Infusion, we ensure every patient is supported with expert guidance, ongoing clinical oversight, and compassionate care throughout their infusion journey.
How Leqembi Is Changing the Way We Treat Alzheimer’s
For decades, most Alzheimer’s medications were designed only to manage symptoms like memory loss or confusion, providing temporary relief without altering the underlying disease. Leqembi changes that approach.
As one of the first FDA-approved anti-amyloid therapies, Leqembi targets a root cause of the disease: the buildup of amyloid-beta plaques that disrupt communication between brain cells.
By reducing these plaques, Leqembi helps slow the progression of cognitive decline in its earliest stages. This not only preserves mental function for longer but also gives patients and families more time—more time to plan, connect, and experience meaningful moments together.
For many, Leqembi represents a hopeful step forward in the effort to change the course of Alzheimer’s disease.
Why Choose Smart Infusion for Leqembi in Madison, WI?
At Smart Infusion, we combine advanced clinical care with personalized, patient-first experiences. We understand that starting infusion therapy for Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve built a space focused on comfort, safety, and dignity.
Here’s what sets us apart for your Leqembi infusion:
- Expert clinical team: Board-certified providers and infusion-trained nurses experienced in cognitive care.
- Private infusion suites: Relax in a quiet, welcoming space designed to reduce stress and support healing.
- Streamlined insurance support: We coordinate with your provider and insurance carrier to make treatment easier to access.
- Compassionate care model: From your first consultation to your final infusion, our team is with you every step of the way.
We’re proud to support families in Madison and beyond as they navigate this new frontier in cognitive decline treatment, with empathy, transparency, and clinical excellence.
Discover the Possibilities of Leqembi at Smart Infusion
Leqembi represents a hopeful advancement in cognitive decline treatment. If you or your loved one is facing early-stage Alzheimer’s, Smart Infusion in Madison is here to help.
Schedule your consultation today or call us at (608) 690-7210 to learn if Leqembi is right for you. Our team is ready to guide you through every step of the process with expert care and support.
