University Hospitals (UH) Brain Health & Memory Center is now providing treatment with donanemab (Kisunla™), a newly FDA-approved medication for Alzheimer's disease. UH stands as the sole health system in Northeast Ohio currently offering this infusion therapy, marking a significant advancement in the region's approach to managing early-stage Alzheimer's.
Targeting Beta-Amyloid Plaques
Donanemab is designed to address the underlying pathology of Alzheimer's disease by targeting and removing beta-amyloid plaques, abnormal protein deposits in the brain. "People with Alzheimer’s disease have an abnormal buildup of plaques in their brain that contain a protein called beta-amyloid. Donanemab is an intravenous medication designed to target and remove these plaques," explained Dr. Rajeet Shrestha, psychiatrist at UH Neurological Institute.
Clinical Significance and Administration
Clinical trials have demonstrated donanemab's potential to slow cognitive and functional decline in patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. The treatment is administered via intravenous infusion every four weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. Patients are closely monitored post-infusion to detect any adverse reactions. The total duration of treatment varies, ranging from 6 to 18 months, depending on individual patient response.
Patient Eligibility and Monitoring
Dr. Mohamed Elkasaby, neurologist at UH Neurological Institute, emphasized the importance of comprehensive disease management, stating, "At University Hospitals, we provide comprehensive disease management for our patients including access to the latest treatments available for Alzheimer’s disease." Eligibility for donanemab therapy requires confirmation of early Alzheimer's symptoms and the presence of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. Diagnostic procedures may include:
- Comprehensive personal and family medical history
- Mental status tests
- Physical and neurological exams
- Blood tests
- Spinal tap (cerebrospinal fluid analysis)
- MRI of the brain
- PET scan of the brain
Patients undergoing donanemab treatment are carefully monitored for potential side effects, including ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities), through regular brain MRIs, EKGs, and lab tests.
Additional Treatment Options
In addition to donanemab, University Hospitals also offers LEQEMBI® (lecanemab) as another FDA-approved treatment option for Alzheimer's disease, providing a comprehensive approach to managing the condition.
