Infusion Therapy for Alzheimer’s Care

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you may be wondering what treatments are available—and what might help slow things down. Until recently, most medications could only help with symptoms. But now, there’s something new: infusion therapy that may actually slow the disease itself.

Infusion therapy, specifically anti-amyloid infusion therapy, is a treatment that uses medicine given through an IV, either every other week or once a month. These medications are part of a group of monoclonal antibodies that work by clearing out the protein beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

While removing these plaques doesn’t cure the disease or bring back lost memory, these treatments can slow disease progression. That means helping you stay active, engaged and able to live at home longer. Studies show that these treatments may give people 8 to 13 more months of independence. That extra time can mean more moments with family, more time doing the things you enjoy and more time living life on your terms.

If you’re thinking about infusion therapy, the first step is a full check-up and evaluation. Your care team will:

• Confirm your diagnosis with memory testing and brain scans.
• Check for amyloid plaques using a PET scan.
• Review your medical history and any other health conditions.
• Talk with you and your family about the risks and benefits.

If you’re a good fit for the treatment, you’ll go to one of our infusion centers—either at Wilmington Hospital or Christiana Hospital. You’ll receive the medication through an IV, and your care team will monitor you closely with regular check-ins and brain scans.

Like any treatment, infusion therapy can have side effects. Some people may have headaches or feel tired. In rare cases, there can be swelling or bleeding in the brain. That’s why we do regular MRIs and teach you and your loved ones about what to look for. It’s important to know that not everyone is a candidate for this treatment. People who are on blood thinners or have certain other health conditions may not be able to receive it. Your care team will help you understand your risks and whether this treatment is right for you.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and you’re wondering if infusion therapy might help, we’re here to support you. Call the Swank Center for Memory Care at 302-320-2620 to schedule an appointment or learn more about treatment options for you. At ChristianaCare, we believe in caring for the whole person, and that includes your family. Alzheimer’s affects everyone, not just the person with the diagnosis. That’s why we offer:

• Caregiver support groups at both Wilmington and Christiana Hospitals.
• Help from social workers to connect you with community resources.
• Education and guidance from nurse educators and providers.
• A whole team of specialists, including geriatric psychiatrists, neurologists and nurse practitioners.

You don’t have to face Alzheimer’s alone. We’re here to help you live your best life—one day at a time.