JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It's a disease that robs an individual of memory, but there's a new weapon in the fight against Alzheimer's.
On Tuesday the Food and Drug Administration approved a second drug for patients to slow the effects of Alzheimer's disease.
Kisunla is not a cure, but clinical trials have shown positive results in patients who used the drug, which target amyloids in the brain. The appearance of amyloids are often believed to be the start of Alzheimer's.
Vena Patton lives in Jacksonville and has Alzheimer's. Her diagnosis was especially painful because she watched both of her parents slip away because of the disease.
"They were married 67 years and didn't know each other when they died, that was devastating, it was heart breaking," said Patton, "seeing her like that just broke my heart and being there to experience her decline and my dad's as well, it just ripped my heart out."
Alzheimer's is caused by an abnormal buildup of proteins in the brain that create plaque and block communication neurons from connecting.
Drug manufacturer Eli Lilly developed Kisunla and saw a slowed progression of Alzheimer's when taken in the early stages of the disease. Stefanie Wardlow, Senior Program Manager for the Alzheimer's Association of Florida called the drug a life changer for people living with Alzheimer's.
"Individuals will have more time to participate in daily life and live independently, this means more months of recognizing their spouse, children or grandchildren," said Wardlow, "new memories can be made and remembered, you can live in the now and a couple days later remember what you did."
Patton began treatment for Alzheimer's with a different drug after her diagnosis 2 years ago and has seen improvement.
"I've had 4 treatments this year and I noticed a huge difference," said Patton, "I'm more alert, I can retain information, keep up at work, I'm learning new things at work and it's working very well."
Patton has participated in Alzheimer's Walks since her mother was diagnosed 14 years ago and she keeps a memory of her parents from a recent Alzheimer's Walk in her garden. After hearing Kinsula was approved by the FDA she plans to switch her treatment to that drug and said its approval by the FDA is a gift to families of loved ones with Alzheimer's.
"The medication that I'm on, and I know my new medicine has given me my life back," said Patton, "job security, the whole nine yards, there's hope that I can keep my brain until there's a cure."
Kisunla will cost $32,000 for a 12 month supply, but Medicare is expected to provide coverage for the drug.
If you are a caregiver or patient with Alzheimer's more resources can be found at alz.org or by calling the Alzheimer's Association helpline at 1-800-272-3900.