At The Kensington Sierra Madre, our residents come first. As a part of Our Promise—to love and care for your family as we do our own—we look forward to exploring the top treatment options available, including the new dementia drug, Leqembi.
We recently hosted a special event to discuss this new breakthrough in dementia and Alzheimer’s treatment “Exploring the New FDA-Approved Treatment for Dementia: How Can Leqembi Help My Loved One?”.
Esteemed neurologist Dr. Kenneth Wogensen was the leader of our conversation about the various facets of Leqembi:
- Basic Science: How Leqembi fights amyloid plaques in the brain
- Efficacy: Clinical trials results and FDA approval process
- Impact: Who is eligible and why, side effects
- Accessibility: Medicare coverage
Read on for an overview of this discussion and learn what the approval of Leqembi means for your loved one with Alzheimer’s.
Introducing Dr. Kenneth K. Wogensen
The Kensington Sierra Madre had the honor of hosting distinguished neurologist Dr. Kenneth K. Wogensen, who has over 30 years of expertise in the memory care field.
Local to the community, he works with several of our own residents and is a great partner and trusted resource to The Kensington Sierra Madre.
An alumnus of the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Dr. Wogensen honed his skills during his neurology residency at the University of San Diego School of Medicine and further enriched his knowledge with a fellowship in Stanford’s Neurology Unit.
A family-centric approach is central to Dr. Wogensen’s medical philosophy, ensuring the patient and their loved ones are at the heart of care. It’s this aspect of Dr. Wogensen’s care that made him the perfect choice to participate in our event.
Dr. Wogensen’s expertise in managing conditions of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, served as the perfect guidance in this discussion about Leqembi’s approval and what it means for those with memory disease.
Exploring Leqembi
Leqembi is a treatment designed to slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s. The treatment is most effective for seniors in the initial to moderate phases of the disease.
In January, the FDA swiftly endorsed Leqembi through their Accelerated Approval program, which fast-tracks certain medications addressing urgent medical needs that don’t currently have treatment available.
For Leqembi’s approval, the FDA focused on its ability to diminish harmful amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
This accelerated approval from the FDA was motivated by Leqembi’s potential to help preserve cognitive function and maintain the ability to perform activities of daily living.
The green light for Leqembi was grounded in findings from a pivotal trial known as Study 301 (CLARITY AD), a rigorous Phase 3 examination of the drug’s effects on participants.
This study included 1,795 Alzheimer’s patients with early memory issues or early dementia stages and verified signs of amyloid beta in the brain. The trial showed that Leqembi was able to significantly slow cognitive decline by 27%.
Eligibility for Leqembi treatment
Leqembi is administered via IV every two weeks at a medical clinic or doctor’s office. It’s most effective for individuals in the early phase of Alzheimer’s or those experiencing mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to Alzheimer’s.
Around 1.5 million people in the U.S. could benefit from Leqembi. Though it is not a cure and those whose condition has progressed too far likely won’t benefit from the treatment.
Before prescribing Leqembi, the FDA advises doctors to ensure patients have amyloid protein buildup in the brain, which Leqembi addresses. This can be verified through specific scans, spinal fluid tests, or newer blood tests.
Expert insight and education with The Kensington Sierra Madre
At The Kensington Sierra Madre, we recognize the value of informed decision-making, especially in areas related to health and well-being, and whether you should look into this new treatment for your loved one.
To ensure our community is always equipped with the most recent medical knowledge, we’ve adopted a multifaceted approach.
Collaborating with medical authorities
We don’t merely rely on general sources of information. Instead, we collaborate directly with seasoned medical professionals and experts in various fields.
Their first-hand knowledge, experience, and insights allow us to access and understand the latest research findings.
Curated events
We bring experts to our community through seminars, workshops, and interactive sessions.
Events like the one with Dr. Kenneth K. Wogensen are no exception; they’re part of our routine effort to ensure that the latest breakthroughs in medical science are made accessible to all.
Educational programs
Apart from events, we host a series of educational programs.
These are designed to delve deeper into specific topics, giving families and caregivers a comprehensive understanding of health conditions, innovative treatments, and best care practices, for both themselves and loved ones.
Accessible resources
Free caregiving resources are always available on our website, providing families and caregivers with reference materials they can revisit whenever necessary.
By merging the worlds of medical research and day-to-day care, we ensure that every individual—be it a resident, family member, or caregiver—is empowered with knowledge and confidence to make the best possible choices.
Deep dive into The Kensington’s Sierra Madre’s memory care
At The Kensington Sierra Madre, we understand the profound impact that memory conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, can have on individuals and their families.
This understanding has propelled us to design a comprehensive, three-tiered, memory care program tailored to every resident’s unique needs at the early, mid, and late stages of memory loss.
Individualized care plans
Recognizing that no two individuals are the same, we craft personalized care plans that consider the entire spectrum of a resident’s needs, preferences, and history.
Skilled care partners
Our team consists of professionals extensively trained in memory care. Their expertise ensures not only the safety and well-being of our residents but also enhances their quality of life through their 24/7 hour care.
Engaging activities
Life-enrichment activities at The Kensington Sierra Madre are specially designed to stimulate cognition, enhance physical well-being, and provide social interaction.
Safe and nurturing environment
We offer a secure environment where residents can move about without the risk of wandering off the property unknowingly. Surveillance systems and a vigilant team provide round-the-clock monitoring of all areas.
Our sensory gardens, calming spaces, and specially designed areas cater to the varying stages of dementia, ensuring every resident feels at home.
Family support and education
Regular workshops, support groups, and educational sessions empower our families with knowledge, giving them the tools to navigate the journey of memory conditions alongside their loved ones.
The Kensington Sierra Madre’s unwavering commitment to memory care is about more than just addressing medical needs. It’s about cherishing our residents and their memories, helping them create new ones, and ensuring that every resident lives the highest quality of life they can.
Reach out to The Kensington Sierra Madre today
The Kensington Sierra Madre is at the forefront of dementia and Alzheimer’s research and care. You can feel confident that your loved one is in caring and compassionate hands with our loving team.
Our Positive Approach to Care methodology allows us to provide the most compassionate and expert care possible. As our first PAC designated community, we are at the forefront of providing the best care we can.
The Positive Approach to Care, developed by Teepa Snow, is specific training for care teams and individuals on the brain changes, symptoms, and behaviors associated with dementia.
PAC helps our residents and their families see the person living with dementia, and not just the dementia. In this way, all parties are better equipped to understand what’s happening and respond in a more meaningful way.
Our dedicated care team is here to provide the support you and your loved ones need with our assisted living and memory care communities, operating with the latest and most effective treatments.
Contact The Kensington Sierra Madre today to discover how we live Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own.