PHARMACOLOGY (Essay Sample)

Lecanemab in Early Alzheimer's Care Hamisi Karisa Institutional affiliation Course number and name Instructor name 28/05/2025 Lecanemab in Early Alzheimer's Care People tend to take their memory for granted—until it begins to fade. Alzheimer's disease gradually erodes people's sense of who they are, their relationships, and their independence. Lecanemab, a new therapy, brings with it meaningful hope by halting cognitive decline and altering the way early-stage Alzheimer's disease is treated in the clinical setting. Lecanemab is a type of monoclonal antibody that targets amyloid beta peptides in the brain, which are associated with the onset of Alzheimer's disease. It functions by assisting the immune system in eliminating the toxic protein deposits before nerve damage is caused (Van Dyck et al., 2023). It is administered every two weeks by intravenous infusion and is for the use of patients with early stages of the condition (Chowdhury & Chowdhury, 2023). Qiao et al. (2023) identify the medication as not a cure, but with good results for slowing down the loss of memory and cognitive decline in clinical studies. Patient safety need to be considered before lecanemab is initiated. It is effective in patients with early Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment. Factors such as the presence of the APOE4 gene can increase the risk of side effects such as swelling or brain hematoma (Abdelazim et al., 2024). The process must be overseen by nurses, who must also advise patients what to be alert for once the infusions are given. The patients will need regular MRI scanning to discover early complications (Van Dyck et al., 2023). Open communication, regular monitoring, and emotional support from healthcare professionals are essential in helping patients and their caregivers navigate the complicated treatment. Lecanemab is a new treatment for early Alzheimer's, and it offers something more than symptom alleviation. It targets the disease process itself, and with appropriate care, this therapy can make a very positive difference. It even offers an opportunity for the patient to keep their memories and independence for a longer period. References Abdelazim, K., Allam, A. A., Afifi, B., Abdulazeem, H., & Elbehiry, A. I. (2024). The efficacy and safety of lecanemab 10 mg/kg biweekly compared to a placebo in patients with Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Neurological Sciences, 45(8), 3583-3597.  HYPERLINK "https://doi.org/10.1007...