In July 2023, the FDA gave full approval to Leqembi, the first-ever drug designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. While the development and approval of this treatment represents a significant step forward in medical research – and tremendous hope for patients and their families – it might not be suited for everyone. Fortunately, there are additional resources to help those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

The What & Who of Leqembi

Leqembi is a first-of-its-kind Alzheimer’s drug designed to identify and target disruptive beta-amyloid proteins in the body and help reduce existing amyloid brain plaque to slow the harmful impacts of the disease. In trials, the treatment was shown to slow cognitive decline by 27% over 18 months. “The impact that Leqembi may have on patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease is potentially very great,” says Dr. Lynn Deutsch, a geriatric psychiatrist in Silver Spring, Maryland. “Leqembi has been shown to help clear the brain of the amyloid, which may prevent brain deterioration and subsequent severe stages of the illness.”

After earning accelerated approval from the FDA, Leqembi officially hit the market in 2023. However, the drug still isn’t widely available to those with Alzheimer’s and it’s only fit to treat people in the very early stages of the disease. In fact, only a quarter of the 6 million people currently living with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. will qualify for treatment with Leqembi, including those with mild forms of the disease and minor memory issues as opposed to more severe symptoms.

While drugs like Leqembi offer a major advancement in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and other progressive forms of dementia, it’s not a one size fits all. Adults living with dementia may need extra support, especially as the disease progresses. So, what is the next step as Alzheimer’s and dementia progresses? Home care can be an accessible and often vital resource for those living with this disease. “Treatment for patients in all stages of dementia includes not only medication but education and support of family and other caregivers,” adds Dr. Deutsch. “Caregivers and family play a significant role in the care of patients and education about the specific kind of dementia and caregiving techniques have been found to be effective in reducing patient agitation.”

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

Family & Nursing Care is a longtime leader in providing access to best-in-class care for older adults living with dementia and other cognitive issues, so they can feel the most comfortable. Dementia care services available through Family & Nursing Care offer private, customizable care options that can allow family respite and time, while providing the necessary support and companionship for clients based on their individual needs. Access to Caregivers with a wealth of experience and training at different stages of dementia can be provided, including:

• Early-Stage Needs: For those in the early stages of memory loss diseases, Caregivers can provide emotional and daily support, including keeping appointments, assistance with remembering to take medications, and encouraging participation in activities that can help exercise certain brain functions and potentially slow disease progression.
• Middle-Stage Needs: For those experiencing increased memory trouble, acting out, developing triggers, or otherwise diagnosed with middle-stage dementia needs, Caregivers can assist with daily tasks like grooming, cooking, and household chores. As the disease progresses, Caregivers can also provide services focused on keeping clients comfortable and more at-ease.

As the medical field marks a major milestone with the introduction of Leqembi, and as treatments continue to evolve and develop, those dealing with dementia and their families can take comfort knowing more options exist, including home care, to help combat this disease. To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s Alzheimer’s and dementia care offerings, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit the Home Care and Alzheimer’s/Dementia webpage.

As the landscape around home care continues to evolve, so do priorities and industry trends. In 2023, the home care industry was majorly impacted after the expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in May. This led to the end of Medicare’s “3-Midnight Rule” waiver and affected thousands of individuals across the United States as it highlighted critical gaps in care. Additionally, in a year of change, the White House issued an executive order on improving the nation’s care infrastructure, and a new emphasis on artificial intelligence in workplaces began.

From the economics of home care to a rise in at-home care, 2024 will bring a new set of changes and challenges to the home care industry. For this article, we sat down with Family & Nursing Care CEO Neal Kursban and Vice President of Business Development Mitch Markowitz to discuss the top trends clients, caregivers, and professionals in the industry should keep an eye on this year.

Looking for an impactful New Year’s resolution? Why not start with fostering deeper social connections, which can lead to longer life, better health, and improved well-being!

On the heels of a holiday season often focused on family, friends, and camaraderie, many of us may feel a bit lonelier and for valid reasons. In 2023, the United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in America – which has a particularly outsized effect on older adults. In fact, the rate of older Americans facing social isolation has increased every year since 1976, and today senior loneliness accounts for $6.7 billion in excess Medicare spending each year. The health consequences are equally alarming with a 29% increased risk of heart disease, 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia.

The Advisory At-a-Glance

Advisories are reserved for significant public health challenges that need people’s immediate attention. In addition to examining the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in America – which increases the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking daily – the advisory outlines a framework to enhance social connection based on six pillars:

1. Strengthen social infrastructure. Create communities and institutions, including parks, libraries, playgrounds, and programs, that bring people together.
2. Enact pro-connection public policies. Governments at all levels play a role in creating policies like accessible transportation that can enable more connections.
3. Mobilize the health sector. Because loneliness and isolation are risk factors for major health conditions, it’s incumbent on health care providers to recognize the signs and intervene.
4. Reform digital environments. Evaluate the role of technology to ensure it doesn’t detract from connection with others.
5. Deepen our knowledge. More research is needed to understand the risks, causes and outcomes of social disconnection as well as the effectiveness of implementing efforts to enhance connection.
6. Cultivate a culture of connection. Societal norms significantly impact people’s relationships and it’s critical for connection to be embedded in the fabric of the country’s culture.

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

Family & Nursing Care is one of the oldest and most well-respected private duty home care businesses in the greater Maryland and Washington, D.C. area. We pride ourselves on offering access to empathetic, personal companion care that helps clients feel valued, secure, and connected to the community. Some ways the Caregivers we work with can help combat feeling isolated or lonely includes:

• General Companionship: In addition to helping with meeting nutritional needs, personal care, and appointments, Caregivers can become close confidants and provide older adults with an outlet and space to share feelings, thoughts, and stories. Loneliness can be curbed with something as simple as sharing a meal or having regular conversations. Caregivers and clients often develop a connection like that of a friend or family member.
• Social Access: Mobility and transportation issues can inhibit social interaction, but you can leave those woes behind! A professional Caregiver can accompany clients to social events and get togethers, including senior clubs, knitting circles, and more, offering tons of opportunities to connect with potential new friends.

“There’s no better time than the start of a new year to embrace the companionship of a Caregiver,” said Kelly Salb, Vice President of Client Services for Family & Nursing Care. “Human connection has both mental and physical health benefits and our team is passionate about providing our clients access to customized personal care services in order to help with health needs but also create a better quality of life through social interaction.”

Living independently doesn’t have to mean feeling alone, and 2024 is a great year to decide to spend more time in the community. Family & Nursing Care offers access to a range of care services to help with this and ensure human connection. To learn more, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit the Home Care Services or Contact Us webpages.