Newly approved Alzheimer’s drugs could provide families with relief

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Unfortunately, nearly every American is either a caregiver for someone suffering, or at least knows someone who is suffering, from Alzheimer’s.

Every year the Alzheimer’s association holds events all over the state intended to spread awareness of the disease and education on how someone can get help.

“So helping people understand what is dementia, what is Alzheimer’s disease, how can I best help support somebody by learning communication strategies, (and) caregiving strategies. So really to provide some education but also allow people to share their experience and ask questions,” Michelle Kutner the program director for the South Dakota Alzheimer’s Association said.

Over the past couple of years, the FDA has approved two different drugs for helping to treat Alzheimer’s, Leqembi and Donanemab, both with the same intended effect.

“It’s not a cure we don’t have a cure yet that’s our ultimate goal but it’s another option and it allows people to live a longer period of life by slowing the progression of the disease,” Kutner said.

Kutner explains how important having more time with a loved one is.

“Well, I think it would allow people to do things that they’ve always wanted to do maybe it’s go on a trip that they’ve been talking about, maybe it’s the birth of a grandchild, or maybe it’s go to a wedding that they have in four or five months,” Kutner said.

While the new drugs aren’t a cure, they are a step toward finding one. Those looking to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association can click here.

The Alzheimer’s Association is working to lessen that struggle through awareness and education.

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