New Alzheimer's Treatment Administered Here
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Empowering Seniors to Live Better Lives
New Therapies for Alzheimer's and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Therapeutic Goods Administration approved Donanemab (brand name Kisunla) for the treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer's Disease.
Eligible patients must:
- There is a "rapid forgetting" pattern of memory impairment, or isolated cognitive impairment syndromes caused by Alzheimer disease (eg primary progressive aphasia, posterior cortical atrophy, etc)
- Have mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer disease
- There is minimal functional impairment
- Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score was 20-28 or above
- Have a confirmed amyloid presence in the brain, via cerebrospinal fluid from a lumbar puncture, or scans.
- Have undergone a blood test to check for ApoE4 genes (patients with double copies of ApoE4 are unsuitable for Kisunla).
The cost and associated expenses are not covered by PBS, Private Health Insurance, or Medicare.
It is important for patients and their families to be aware of the following:
- The treatment slows, but does not halt or reverse the progression of the disease.
- It should be complemented by other treatments, such as exercise and brain health measures, which should be continued.
- Common side effects include mild infusion reactions that may be unpleasant.
- Serious but less common side effects include brain swelling and bleeding, which may require treatment to stop. These can lead to temporary or permanent cognitive decline, disability, or even death. Regular MRIs will be scheduled to monitor for these issues, but patients should seek assessment in between appointments if necessary.
Things to consider
- Patients are willing to pay for ApoE status test (~$200),
- donanemab (estimated to be $4700 per infusion = $56,400 per annum + GST),
- infusion costs typically $600 per session, typically for 18 months,
- amyloid-PET scans are $2500 each and one 6 monthly (to determine whether therapy can be ceased due to amyloid levels returning to normal)
and
- safety MRIs (3-4 per year) at a cost of $200 per MRI.
Please note that none of these are subsidised by Medicare or private health funds
About The Memory Centre
Our Expertise
Our Philosophy
Our Expertise
At The Memory Centre, our team has years of experience in working with older adults. We are highly skilled in managing complex medical conditions such as Dementia, Alzheimer's and the treatment and management of delirium whilst providing individualised care.
Our Services
Our Philosophy
Our Expertise
We offer a wide range of services, including a:
- Comprehensive Cognitive Assessment,
- Geriatrician Consultations,
- Allied Health,
- Pre and peri operative Assessments,
- Advance Health Directives,
- Driving Simulation,
- Social Support.
Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that meets the unique needs of each individual.
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
We believe that every person deserves to age with dignity and respect. Our philosophy is centered around empowering older adults to live life on their own terms, with the support they need to thrive.
Here at The Memory Centre we are there every step of the way to help you and your family navigate this next phase of your life.