For families living with Alzheimer’s disease, there hasn’t been nearly enough good news over the years. This may be some.

A 79-year-old Florida man with early Alzheimer’s recently completed 18 months of treatment with a newer medication called Kisunla. After treatment, a brain scan showed something remarkable: the amyloid plaques in his brain had been cleared.

That does not mean his Alzheimer’s was cured. Unfortunately, we are not there yet.

But it is another encouraging sign that Alzheimer’s treatment is changing — and that we may finally be getting better at slowing this terrible disease.

CBS News recently shared his story, including his reaction to learning the plaques were gone. You can read his story here.

What Is Kisunla?

Kisunla is a newer Alzheimer’s medication for certain people in the early stages of the disease.

It is given through an IV infusion and targets something called amyloid plaque. Amyloid is an abnormal buildup of protein in the brain and is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

Kisunla helps the body remove that buildup.

The goal is not to bring back memories that have already been lost. Instead, the hope is to slow the progression of the disease, allowing a person to hold onto memory, thinking ability, and independence longer than they otherwise might.

And for families facing Alzheimer’s, more time matters.

Why This Matters

For decades, there was very little doctors could do to change the course of Alzheimer’s disease.

That is why this particular patient’s experience is so encouraging.

He received 18 infusions over a year and a half. At the end of treatment, a PET scan showed that the amyloid plaques in his brain were gone.

His reaction was simple. He said he felt grateful, happy, and overwhelmed.

But there is an important distinction.

Clearing amyloid plaque is not the same as curing Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s involves other changes in the brain, including abnormal proteins called tau tangles. Kisunla does not eliminate those. The medication also is not appropriate for everyone, and it can have serious side effects, including swelling or bleeding in the brain. Patients need careful medical screening and monitoring.

Still, this is real progress.

Instead of only treating some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, newer treatments are beginning to target the disease itself and slow its progression.

That makes early diagnosis increasingly important.

If treatment can slow Alzheimer’s, finding the disease earlier may give someone more opportunity to benefit from treatment while also giving the family more time to prepare for the future.

And sometimes, time is the most valuable thing a family can be given.

More time living independently.

More time with a spouse.

More time with children and grandchildren.

More time to make your own decisions.

And more time to put a thoughtful plan in place for whatever comes next.

Simple Lesson

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis is still frightening, but families today have reasons for hope that simply did not exist a few years ago.

Medical treatment is improving. But early planning matters too. Making decisions while a person can still participate helps protect their wishes, their independence, and the people who may someday need to care for them.

Action Step

If you or someone you love is experiencing noticeable changes in memory or thinking, don’t simply assume it is a normal part of getting older. Talk with a doctor and find out what is happening.

And if Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia has already been diagnosed, this is a good time to review the estate plan, finances, long-term care options, and who will be able to make decisions if help is eventually needed.

If this topic raises questions for you or your family, feel free to call (517) 548-7400 or contact us online: https://www.michiganestateplans.com/contact-us