At Dolan Memory Care Homes, we prioritize bringing the latest developments in Alzheimer’s care to families seeking memory care in St. Louis County. A trusted source, the Alzheimer’s Association, provides comprehensive insights into lecanemab (Leqembi®)—an FDA-approved monoclonal antibody treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s—that we’re excited to share and contextualize for our community.
What Is Lecanemab?
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, lecanemab is an antibody infusion therapy administered every two weeks. It targets and removes beta‑amyloid plaques in the brain, slowing both cognitive and functional decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s (alz.org).
Phase III clinical trials demonstrate a 27% slowing of clinical decline over 18 months compared to placebo, helping residents maintain independence and participate more fully in daily life.
We also previously shared real-world findings about lecanemab’s safety and outcomes from a study at Washington University, which reinforced the drug’s promise outside of controlled trial settings. In that review, severe side effects were rare and patients in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s experienced the fewest complications.
Safety and Monitoring: What You Need to Know
While lecanemab has shown significant promise, it requires careful monitoring. The most common side effects include infusion-related reactions, headache, and amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which may involve brain swelling or microbleeds.
Because of these risks, ongoing safety monitoring—including routine MRIs—is recommended. The FDA’s coverage-with-evidence development pathway ensures that patient outcomes and side effects are tracked through registries like ALZ-NET, offering an additional layer of oversight (alz.org).
Why This Matters for Families in St. Louis County
For families exploring memory care in St. Louis County, lecanemab represents a meaningful stride forward. At Dolan Memory Care Homes:
- We partner with medical professionals to ensure any resident receiving this therapy is closely monitored for safety.
- Our small, home-style residences allow for attentive, personalized care in a setting that supports dignity and routine.
- We help coordinate imaging and infusion schedules while keeping families informed and supported every step of the way.
To learn more about our dementia-specific care model, visit our Alzheimer’s care page here, and explore our thoughtfully designed memory care homes in St. Louis County here.
What Families Can Do Now
- Speak with your loved one’s neurologist to find out whether they may be a candidate for lecanemab—especially if they are in the early stages of the disease.
- Understand the commitment—lecanemab requires biweekly infusions and regular imaging to manage any potential side effects.
- Stay connected with Dolan’s care team—we’re here to help coordinate with providers, advocate for your loved one, and ensure continuity of care.
Our Commitment to Innovation in Memory Care
The Alzheimer’s Association calls lecanemab a “meaningful treatment” for those with early-stage Alzheimer’s. At Dolan Memory Care Homes, we are committed to staying at the forefront of treatment developments while maintaining the warmth, security, and consistency our homes are known for.
Families seeking memory care in St. Louis County that combines innovative support with compassionate, home-based care can rely on Dolan to help navigate each stage of the journey.
Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a tour: https://dolancare.com/contact/
Dolan Memory Care Homes | Trusted Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care in St. Louis County
