Hope for Patients, but Worry for Doctors
For generations doctors have sought ways to enrich and extend the lives of Alzheimer’s patients. However, without credible medications to contend with this degenerative condition, they are left with merely accounting for symptoms and providing brain stimulation activities to extend the cognition of the patient for as long as possible. That was until now. The drug known as Aduhelm has proven remarkable in preliminary trials and has been approved by the FDA for distribution.
That’s Great News for Patients Right?
Yes, finding out there is a new drug offered to treat and prevent the degeneration of Alzheimer’s is great news for elderly patients everywhere. Finally, patients will be able to couple the brain stimulating activities they are used to with a comprehensive drug that is designed to further slow the cognitive decline of patients.
The downside to this new drug is the fast track it has been put on for approval. Many in the medical field are cautious about administering the drug to patients and although successful trials have been presented for the past 5 years, there are still many questions regarding Aduhelm and the many side effects it potentially presents.
What Are the Side Effects?
Side effects in medications today are almost expected and just turning on the television or reading an ad about a medication will reveal a whole host of possible effects of taking the drug. However, virtually all of these medications have been approved over a period of many years, but the fast track taken for Aduhelm is what is concerning doctors.
Currently, side effects for the drug include possible brain bleeding and chronic headache conditions. Where this might seem mild when compared to the list of possible side effects for other drugs on the market, these two particular side effects are very concerning as brain bleeds can be difficult to track and treat. Additionally, chronic headache conditions can be even more debilitating than contending with Alzheimer’s on its own.
An Eagerness from Patients
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s patients can maintain their daily life with little discomfort. The occasional memory laps can be a problem, but for the most part, it is something that can be easily contended with in daily life. Many Alzheimer’s patients rarely have to quit work and can care for themselves in their daily lives. However, when memory lapses and confusion become an ongoing issue as the disease progresses, patients may have to quit work and seek help for their daily routines. This is the case with Michele Hall, a 54-year-old Florida woman who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Michele Hall was a government attorney for many years before contracting Alzheimer’s. In the beginning, her daily routine was fine, but eventually, spelling problems and an inability to meet general deadlines from her cognitive decline led to her having to quit her job. Hall is notably excited to take Aduhelm and calls it a tiny glimmer of hope. She sees it as a way to increase the time she has with her family and three aging children.
Currently an Option for Early-Stage Patients
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative condition that becomes worse over time and Aduhelm is designed to slow the progression. However, it has only been studied in those that are in the earliest stages of the disease. Excitement among Alzheimer’s patients and their families is noticeably high as Aduhelm becomes available, but careful consideration for the stage of Alzheimer’s is something that should be considered. Doctors are not wanting to see a run on the drug in which advanced Alzheimer’s patients are pulled from long term care facilities in hopes the treatment may help. A conservative approach is what is necessary according to doctors when it comes to Aduhelm and who to prescribe it to.
So, What Do I Do?
Where it is great that the new drug Aduhelm has been approved for use in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients, it is important to seek out advice from your own medical physician to determine if you or a loved one is a candidate for the drug. Side effects and the stage of progression of the individual’s Alzheimer’s disease should be carefully considered. Even though the FDA has approved the drug for use, talking with your own doctor will shed light on any underlying conditions that could impact side effects of the drug. Aduhelm remains a controversial solution for Alzheimer’s patients but has given hope to many since its approval.
All Heart Home Care
We at All Heart Home Care feel encouraged about the approval of Aduhelm. It is set to be a significant help for families living with the condition and finding it hard to care for their loved ones. If you ever find things becoming too difficult or need a little help caring for your loved one, do not hesitate to contact All Heart Home Care. We are a team of expert caregivers filled with compassion for every patient we take care of, and we want to be there for you in this confusing and anxiety filled time as well.
If you are interested in learning more about All Heart Home Care services, contact All Heart Home Care today at 619-736-4677. We offer in-home consultations and would love to discuss the many home care services we provide!
