Kansas Hospital Expands Access to Alzheimer's Treatment
Stormont Vail Health in Topeka will start offering Kisunla next week, becoming the fourth Kansas facility to provide the FDA-approved therapy that slows early Alzheimer's progression. The treatment has shown promising results in helping patients preserve their independence longer.
Families facing early Alzheimer's in Kansas just gained another place to access a treatment that could buy precious time with their loved ones.
Stormont Vail Health in Topeka will begin offering Kisunla next week, an FDA-approved therapy for people with early Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The hospital joins three other Kansas facilities already providing the treatment: Wamego Health Center, Hutchinson Regional, and KU Medical Center in Kansas City.
The therapy works by helping the body's immune system remove amyloid plaque from the brain. This abnormal protein accumulates in the brain and causes the memory loss and cognitive decline that define Alzheimer's disease.
Patients receive the treatment as an infusion once every four weeks. Doctors monitor progress with periodic MRIs to track how well the therapy is working.
Dr. Ahmed Harazeen, a neurologist at Stormont Vail, explains the therapy isn't a cure and won't restore lost memories. Instead, it helps slow the progression of cognitive and functional decline, preserving independence and quality of life for longer periods.
Early studies show Kisunla slowed disease progression by more than 20 percent over 18 months. That translates to more time for patients to maintain their daily routines, recognize family members, and stay engaged in activities they love.
The treatment isn't available to everyone with Alzheimer's. Candidates must have mild cognitive impairment or early-onset Alzheimer's rather than advanced disease, and tests must confirm the presence of amyloid plaque in their brains.
The Ripple Effect
Dr. Harazeen's message to anyone noticing memory changes is simple: don't dismiss it as normal aging. Early detection opens up treatment options that weren't available even a few years ago.
Stormont Vail offers free memory screenings for adults over 50 through its Clinical Research program. These screenings can catch problems early, when treatments like Kisunla have the best chance of making a difference.
The expansion of this therapy across Kansas means more families can access hope closer to home.
Based on reporting by Google: new treatment approved
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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