Ep 48: Alzheimer’s: Is There a Pill for This? [Video]

Hey Care Partners,
Today we are going to dig into the BIG question of Why we don’t have a pill to fix Alzheimer’s and Dementia. With our special returning guest, Marion Kyner we will discuss what is available for our loved ones on their journey with brain failure.

Marion Kyner, MSN, RN, PMHCNS-BC, CDP, CMC

Marion is an Advanced Practice Nurse and a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist with over 40 years of experience in nursing. She worked in a Senior Care Community setting for 15 years. She is a certified independent trainer and coach in the Positive Approach to Care model by Teepa Snow. Currently, she has a private practice in dementia care consultation and is an adjunct faculty member at Longwood University Dept. of Nursing in Farmville VA and a clinical instructor at the University of Virginia School of Nursing in Charlottesville, Virginia.

She is passionate about changing the culture and HOW nurses provide care for patients with dementia. She is a community volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association and Dementia Friends. She has 2 adult daughters, a son-in-law, and a new granddaughter born December 26. She lives with her husband in Cumberland, Virginia.

1. Is there a pill for Alzheimer’s Disease?
a. There is NO pill to cure Alzheimer’s or any other dementia
b. Much like many other Chronic Health conditions like diabetes and heart disease,
or multiple sclerosis, we treat the symptoms.

2. What about the newer drugs recently approved by the FDA?
a. (Leqembi) lacanemab anti-amyloid medications that reduce the amyloid
plaque surrounding the nerve
b. Accelerated approval Jan 2023; full approval July 2023, MCI and Mild Alz Dz
Study was over 18 months – no info on long term effect or safety
Shown to have a moderate effect on slowing decline in memory and
thinking on paper tests, only minimal change in functioning
IV Infusion every 2 weeks at an infusion center
Side Effects: N/V, Chills, body aches, HA, Dizziness, ^ HR, SOB
Serious Side effects: brain swelling; small brain bleeding and death
Talk to doctor about these risks vs benefits

Exclusion criteria: genetic testing for APOE gene, stroke or
TIA, blood thinners, and other health conditions such as RA or uncontrolled diabetes
Imaging tests:– Amyloid PET scan or spinal lumbar puncture measure amyloid
Follow up MRI scans to check for swelling and bleeding
Cost is close to $27,000/ year, 80% Medicare, ? other insurance
Coverage for cost of imaging is uncertain

3. What are the other medications doctors often prescribe
for dementia?

a. Memory Enhancers – cholinesterase inhibitors & Glutamate Regulators

4. Discuss the Psychiatric Medications that are used, like the
new one Rexulti

a. Think of Symptoms Depression, Anxiety, and psychosis (hallucinations & delusions) Seizures and Sleep problems 50% patients with dementia are prescribed an antidepressant

Psychiatric medications were approved for disorders of the brain where there is often a chemical imbalance. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t, maybe 30% use

In dementia, we have brain changes and loss of nerves and chemistry – medications may not work the same as they were intended for psychiatric disorders

DISCLAIMER
This video is for general informational purposes only. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Thanks for watching! Remember to bring them joy in the moment! I’ll see you in the next video.