Choosing the right treatment for Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelming, especially when new therapies like Leqembi enter the conversation. For patients and families navigating early cognitive decline, knowing how different medications work and what to expect is key to making confident, informed decisions.
At Smart Infusion, we specialize in personalized infusion therapy in Madison, offering patients a calm, private setting and attentive clinical care. If you’re considering Leqembi or simply want to understand how it compares to traditional Alzheimer’s drugs, our team is here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and expertise. Request an appointment or call us at (608) 690-7210 to get started.
Let’s explore how Leqembi stacks up against common Alzheimer’s treatments and whether it might be the right option for your care plan.
Understanding Traditional Alzheimer’s Medications
For many years, the standard approach to Alzheimer’s treatment has focused on managing symptoms rather than altering the course of the disease. Traditional medications are designed to temporarily ease cognitive symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, or difficulty with daily tasks—but they do not slow the underlying progression of Alzheimer’s.
Here are the most commonly prescribed drugs:
- Donepezil (Aricept): A cholinesterase inhibitor that helps maintain levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for learning and memory. It is commonly used in the early to moderate stages of Alzheimer’s.
- Memantine (Namenda): Works by regulating glutamate, another brain chemical involved in learning and memory. This medication is typically prescribed for moderate to severe stages of the disease.
- Galantamine and Rivastigmine: Like donepezil, these medications are cholinesterase inhibitors used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s by supporting nerve cell communication.
While these treatments may offer short-term improvements in cognition and behavior, their effects are generally modest, and they do not halt or reverse the damage caused by Alzheimer’s.
What Sets Leqembi Apart: A New Class of Treatment
Leqembi (lecanemab) represents a meaningful shift in how we approach Alzheimer’s care. Unlike traditional medications that focus solely on managing symptoms like memory loss or confusion, Leqembi is designed to address one of the underlying causes of the disease—amyloid beta plaque buildup in the brain.
These plaques are believed to interfere with communication between brain cells and contribute to the progressive decline seen in Alzheimer’s. Leqembi is part of a newer class of therapies known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by specifically targeting and binding to these amyloid beta proteins. Once attached, Leqembi flags them for removal by the body’s immune system, helping to clear them from the brain.
This disease-modifying approach offers a different path than symptom-based drugs. While Leqembi is not a cure, it aims to slow the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s—preserving cognitive function for a longer period and helping individuals maintain more independence in daily life.
For patients with confirmed amyloid plaque buildup, Leqembi offers a proactive treatment option that supports brain health from the inside out. It’s a step forward in the ongoing effort to not just manage Alzheimer’s, but to change its course.
Benefits of Leqembi and What to Expect from Treatment
Leqembi offers patients a new level of support in managing early-stage Alzheimer’s. As one of the first FDA-approved treatments to directly target amyloid beta plaque in the brain, it represents a hopeful option for those seeking more than just symptom relief.
Here’s what makes Leqembi a unique treatment choice:
- Slows Cognitive Decline: Clinical studies have shown that patients receiving Leqembi experienced a slower rate of memory and functional decline, helping them maintain independence and cognitive clarity longer.
- Targeted, Disease-Modifying Action: Unlike traditional medications, Leqembi focuses on one of the root causes of Alzheimer’s—amyloid plaque buildup—working to clear these proteins and support long-term brain health.
- Consistent, Personalized Care: Leqembi is administered through a carefully scheduled bi-weekly infusion, allowing providers to monitor your progress closely and adjust care as needed. At Smart Infusion, each session is delivered in a private, supportive setting.
- Supports Daily Living: Many patients and their families appreciate the extended time this treatment may offer to enjoy daily activities, maintain routines, and plan for the future with greater clarity.
- Integrated Monitoring for Confidence: With each infusion, you receive personalized care that includes regular check-ins and imaging as part of a comprehensive approach to safety and long-term success.
At Smart Infusion Wisconsin, we’re proud to offer this advanced therapy in a calming environment that combines clinical excellence with compassion. Our team will guide you through every step, ensuring you feel informed, supported, and confident in your treatment journey.
What to Know Before Starting Leqembi Infusion Therapy
Patients exploring Leqembi as a treatment option benefit from a thorough and personalized care plan. If you or a loved one is considering this therapy, here are a few important points to keep in mind:
- Amyloid Plaque Confirmation: Leqembi is specifically indicated for patients with confirmed amyloid beta plaque buildup, typically identified through PET scan or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing. Your provider will help determine eligibility through appropriate diagnostics.
- Insurance and Affordability Support: As a newly approved Alzheimer’s medication, Leqembi may have variable insurance coverage. At Smart Infusion, we help patients navigate prior authorizations and payment options to reduce financial stress and ensure access to care.
- Comfortable, Consistent Infusion Setting: Leqembi is administered via bi-weekly intravenous infusions. Our boutique-style center offers a relaxing, private alternative to busy hospital infusion rooms—ensuring your experience is as comfortable and convenient as possible.
- Ongoing Clinical Monitoring: To support your safety, routine MRI scans may be recommended to monitor for any infusion-related effects. Our experienced infusion team provides expert oversight every step of the way.
At Smart Infusion Wisconsin, we make it easier to move forward with confidence by blending clinical excellence with personalized care in a welcoming setting.
Why Leqembi Could Be a Game-Changer in Alzheimer’s Care
Leqembi marks a turning point in how we approach Alzheimer’s disease—not just by easing symptoms, but by interrupting one of the underlying biological drivers: amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. This represents a new era in treatment—one that moves from temporary relief toward meaningful intervention.
For patients in the early stages of cognitive decline, Leqembi offers the potential to slow disease progression, helping preserve memory, independence, and day-to-day function for a longer period. Families benefit, too, gaining precious time to plan, connect, and adapt with greater clarity.
When administered within a supportive care environment, like the one offered at Smart Infusion, Leqembi becomes more than a medical treatment—it becomes a personalized journey grounded in precision, safety, and compassion. With regular monitoring, physician-led protocols, and dedicated staff, we ensure that patients and caregivers feel confident every step of the way.
Discover a Smarter Approach to Alzheimer’s Infusion Therapy
Leqembi offers a fundamentally different way to treat early Alzheimer’s—by slowing disease progression at its source rather than simply managing symptoms. At Smart Infusion, we’re proud to offer this therapy with the personalized care and ongoing monitoring it deserves.
To explore whether Leqembi is the right fit for you or your loved one, schedule a consultation with us today. Our expert team is here to provide supportive, safe, and compassionate infusion care every step of the way.
