News

Pardee is first provider in WNC to give new Alzheimer's treatment

Joel Callahan

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 18, 2023

UNC Health Pardee is the first healthcare organization in Western North Carolina and the UNC Health system to administer the first dose of Lecanemab, a newly approved FDA medication for treating Alzheimer’s disease.

Lecanemab is the first drug to have shown benefit in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Pardee Chief of Staff Joel Callahan administered the first dose of Lecanemab on Dec. 1 to an 81-year-old woman from Hendersonville. The patient, who had a confirmed Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis last summer, said she was cautiously optimistic about the medication.

“While we would rather have a proven remedy, we’re doing the best we can with a horrible situation,” her husband said. The couple said they would have traveled anywhere necessary to have access to this medication, so being able to receive it in their community was a very welcome benefit. They expressed they’re hopeful for positive outcomes and glad to be a part of something that is a step toward a cure. 

“The approval of Lecanemab for the treatment of Alzheimer’s is an exciting and important first step,” said Callahan, who is medical director of Pardee Neurology Associates. “Despite some of the risks, drawbacks and limitations of this new treatment, the progress made after decades of failed advancement remains a reason for optimism in the treatment and perhaps one day, cure, of this disease.”

The FDA fully approved Lecanemab in July 2023 for patients with early or mild memory issues related to Alzheimer’s disease. It is given through an IV infusion every two weeks.

“The medication works by targeting amyloid proteins for removal, which is felt to be a driver in the progressive cascade of Alzheimer’s disease,” Callahan said. He explained that reducing these proteins helped to modestly slow memory and thinking decline caused by Alzheimer’s disease.