Housecall

No one has found a cure yet for Alzheimer's disease, a brain disorder that affects memory and thinking and becomes worse over time. But there are medications that may slow the disease's progression for people in the early stages.

Those medications include monoclonal antibody treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Previously, people who were eligible for these treatments had to leave our community for care. Now that's not necessary, thanks to a collaboration with University of Nebraska Medical Center–Nebraska Medicine. In fall 2025, Columbus Community Hospital began offering these medications locally.

How the treatments work

The drugs — lecanemab and donanemab — are given as a series of intravenous (IV) infusions over the course of 18 months. They target abnormal protein deposits in the brain that are thought to play a key role in the development of Alzheimer's.

Donanemab is administered once a month; lecanemab is given twice a month. Each IV infusion takes about one hour. Patients also undergo periodic brain scans to monitor for plaque regression and side effects, which may include brain swelling or bleeding.

"These are fairly new infusion drugs that reduce the amount of amyloid plaque that's found in the brains of folks with Alzheimer's disease," said Mark Howerter, MD, CCH's chief medical officer. "What the studies have shown is that in early Alzheimer's, it seems to slow progression."

While the treatments do not reverse the disease and the cognitive problems it has already caused, they delay its advance, preserving memory, thinking skills and independence longer for patients with Alzheimer's.

"They get to enjoy and remember their relatives and friends and stay functional, stay vital," Howerter said. "I think those things are huge."

Who might be eligible?

In general, potential candidates are those who have early Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment and evidence of amyloid plaques in their brains.

CCH's partnership with UNMC–Nebraska Medicine is another way of ensuring that patients can receive treatment locally. Some people have been traveling to Omaha to receive these infusions.

Now, those who are eligible for treatment can consult a UNMC doctor, receive a prescription and undergo infusion locally after receiving their first three infusions in Omaha.

Howerter is working with neurologist Daniel Murman, MD, MS, of UNMC, to coordinate the local care.

Alzheimer's disease affects more than 6 million Americans, most of them over 65 — a demographic that makes up a significant portion of the Columbus community. Treatment can make a meaningful difference for those with early Alzheimer's, which is why it's crucial to discuss any memory, thinking or behavior concerns with your primary care doctor as soon as possible.

"People sometimes don't want to talk to the doctor because they're afraid they're going to get bad news," said Howerter. "And the message has been: There's nothing you can do about it. The opposite approach should be used these days: If you suspect it, get it checked out early. Understand that there is actually the potential for treatment that could conserve your ability to be independent, stay functional, enjoy your family and have a better quality of life. Waiting too long could disqualify you from a very important treatment."

Get checked

We all have occasional memory lapses. But Alzheimer's disease changes are more disruptive and may include:

• Repeating questions.
• Having trouble completing familiar tasks.
• Being confused about time, people and places.

Categories: Alzheimer's