Albany Medical Center offers new Alzheimer's treatment

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The Alzheimer's Center at Albany Medical Center is beginning to offer a new treatment to patients that will delay the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. The first infusion was given to a patient at the Alzheimer's Center on July 22, and the hospital is one of the first to offer the new form of therapy.

Lecanemab is a new FDA-approved infusion that can delay the decline of cognitive and functional issues seen in Alzheimer's Disease by five months. Lecanemab is an antibody treatment that addresses and binds amyloid plaque in the brain of an Alzheimer's Disease patient.

The Medical Director of The Alzheimer's Center, Maria Kataki, said the disease-modifying treatment alters the biology of the disease. "As the first hospital to offer this therapy, we are thrilled to revolutionize the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in our region and to offer new hope to our patients and their families," Kataki said.

Patients with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia with amyloid plaques because of Alzheimer's Disease are eligible for Lecanemab. Kataki said administering the treatment requires the assistance of several specialists, including radiologists, the Department of Neurology, laboratory services, and more.

"Each of us has worked diligently to serve our patients the best way we can," Kataki said. "I am grateful for the response and support of this multidisciplinary team that has been eager to learn and implement this new practice for dementia care."