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Big Sky Connection - Doctors are encouraged by two new drugs being used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. During Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, clinicians are calling for wider availability of the drugs, which are critical in early stages of the disease. Comments from Jami Funyak (FUN-yak), executive director, Alzheimer's Association, Montana chapter. (Pronouncers: Aduhelm - ADD-juh-helm; Leqembi - luh-KEM-bee.)
Click on the image above for the audio. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's saves costs of medical and long-term care, both for families and the U.S. government, according to the Alzheimer's Association. (Adobe Stock)
Dementia researchers finding success with two new drugs.
Mark Moran
June 12, 2023 - During Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, doctors are encouraged by the results of two new drugs being used in clinical trials. In Montana, having access to them is important.
It's estimated that more than 6.7 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and the number of seniors age 65 and older with Alzheimer's is projected to double to nearly 13 million by 2050.
Jami Funyak, executive director of the Alzheimer's Association's Montana chapter, said state numbers are growing, too.
"We currently have over 22,000 people living with Alzheimer's and other dementia living in Montana," said Funyak. "It's estimated that only half are actually diagnosed, so our numbers are probably much higher than that."
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but doctors have found two drugs - Aduhelm and Leqembi - to be helpful in patients taking them in clinical trials. Doctors say making them available in rural states like Montana will be critical.
Aduhelm and Leqembi work by targeting beta-amyloid, a plaque-forming protein that disrupts the brain's normal functioning.
Funyak said there are thousands of people in Montana who could benefit from the drugs and adds early access to them is critically important.
"As the disease progresses," said Funyak, "people will not be eligible for the drugs, because it's only effective in the early stages."
The drugs are currently only administered in medical clinics as research continues.
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PNS - Monday, June 12, 2023 - Buyout program provides Millions for flood-prone Eastern KY; building stronger Georgia communities through trauma-informed care; the White House engages NW on dams and the future of salmon.
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PNS - Friday, June 9, 2023 - The Supreme Court upholds a key provision of the Voting Rights Act over Alabama redistricting, smoky skies could spell EPA trouble for some states, and President Biden calls on Congress to pass LGBTQ+ protections.
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PNS - Friday, June 9, 2023 - Former President Donald J. Trump first ever to face federal charges in 7 count indictment; the Supreme Court strikes down Alabama's Congressional Maps; Canadian wildfires affect the health of humans and wildlife.
