How early to begin infusions?

Posted by cjw1510 @cjw1510, Jun 25 6:30am

I have MCI and a PET scan identified amyloid plaque levels that are significant. My Centiloid measure was 32. My doctor has prescribed Aricept but advised against infusions because of the score being low and possible side effects. I have read that the earlier, the better.. Should I get a second opinion?

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Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jun 25 8:48am

Hi @cjw1510 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Just for clarification, I believe you are speaking of intravenous (IV) monoclonal antibody infusions, such as lecanemab (Leqembi) or donanemab (Kisunla)?

cjw1510 | @cjw1510 | Jun 25 7:34pm

Yes, that is what I referred to.

midnightwalker | @midnightwalker | Jul 1 8:13am

I am on Aricept 5's and scheduled for my PET Scan next Friday. Been on Aricept for one year and my doctor says once I get on Leqembi, I should continue to take my Aricept. I'll let you know my PET Scan Centeloid score when I get it. Good luck. The Aricept 5's worked wonders on my memory issues but I didn't progress to the 10's as I felt they were too strong when I tried them.

cjw1510 | @cjw1510 | Jul 1 3:35pm

In reply to @midnightwalker "I am on Aricept 5's and scheduled for my PET Scan next Friday. Been on Aricept..." + (show)

@midnightwalker Thank you and all the best to you!

midnightwalker | @midnightwalker | 4 hours ago

cjw1510 I just got my PET Scan results and am at 34.9. As I stated before, I am on 5 mg Aricept and it seemed to help but now that my Scan came back at nearly 35, I am scheduled to begin Leqembi very soon. The PET scan was the last piece of information before facing the fact that things weren't just going to disappear or never advance. Another opinion? Sure. Same results? If you need to check with another opinion, you should. Let me know how it goes and take care.

cjw1510 | @cjw1510 | 3 hours ago

In reply to @midnightwalker "cjw1510 I just got my PET Scan results and am at 34.9. As I stated before,..." + (show)

@midnightwalker Thank you so much for your update and I wish you all the best - good results and good health!
Did you have a previous PET scan that was lower than 34.9? If so, how long between PET scans? My doctor says my insurance (Medicare and a supplement) won't cover multiple PET scans and I need to check on that to see if I can get another one in a year. Again, I appreciate your sharing!

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