What a tender and difficult place to be in — loving someone so deeply while facing such hard decisions. The question those two women raised, "why prolong?", is one many caregivers wrestle with, and there's no single right answer.
It helps to understand what Leqembi actually does. It doesn't stop Alzheimer's — but it may slow Show Full Answer
What a tender and difficult place to be in — loving someone so deeply while facing such hard decisions. The question those two women raised, "why prolong?", is one many caregivers wrestle with, and there's no single right answer.
It helps to understand what Leqembi actually does. It doesn't stop Alzheimer's — but it may slow the decline, particularly in the early stages. Recent long-term data showed that people treated continuously over four years declined more slowly, and some even showed slight improvements in memory and daily functioning.
That said, it's not without challenges:
- It requires confirming amyloid buildup first, via a PET scan or spinal fluid test
- Regular brain monitoring (MRI) is needed throughout treatment
- Side effects can include brain swelling or small bleeds
- It involves ongoing infusions or injections
- Costs and logistics can be significant
The fact that your wife is in excellent spirits and still in early progression may actually be the window where this treatment offers the most benefit — early treatment showed a 27% lower risk of progressing to the next stage.
Ultimately, this is a deeply personal decision. The recommendation you're waiting on will be a valuable guide. Bringing these exact concerns — including what those two women said — to that appointment is exactly the right thing to do.
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