Hello family and friends! We need your help. Back in 2024, my mom started feeling anxious about her job. Her coworkers were becoming frustrated with her inability to remember how to perform required tasks. Eventually, she was let go from her office job. Finally, after a few years of complaining to her Dr., she was referred to a neurologist. Four days before my mother’s 55th birthday, we received the results back from her PET scan. At the bottom of the page were the words “results consistent with Alzheimer’s.” She received her official diagnosis in December 2024: “early onset Alzheimer’s.” My family is no stranger to Alzheimer’s. My mother lost her grandmother to Alzheimer’s, and my father lost his mother to Alzheimer’s. Still, it was absolutely devastating to learn that our still adventurous mother was having her mind stolen by this disease at such a young age. At the time of her diagnosis, there was no cure- only a medication to help with symptoms. Thankfully her primary Dr. immediately put her on that medication and the drastic decline she was on came to a halt. We are so grateful for the time it’s giving us, but we know the disease is still there silently killing her brain. This year, the scientific community had a breakthrough with a new medication for Alzheimer’s called Leqembi. For the first time ever, they have developed a treatment that can actually slow down the spread of the disease. I was hopeful to hear this, but was afraid my mom was too far along to receive the treatment. Last Thursday, however, after her exam at the neurologist, we were informed that my mom is a perfect candidate for this treatment. The neurologist is referring us for the required testing needed before starting treatment. The problem is that none of these tests or treatments are covered by insurance. Medicare covers the treatment, but not the required testing. Plus, my mother does not qualify for Medicare at this time. Unfortunately, there is a huge gap and lack of support for those with dementia, ESPECIALLY early onset dementia. So, our first step to see if my mom qualifies for this treatment is to do genetic testing and get an Amyloid Pet Scan. Altogether this could cost around $5,000. Since my mother can no longer work full time, my parents don’t have any income they can spare. Lisa loves animals, music and concerts, donating to nonprofit organizations, taking day trips with her family, and shopping for good deals. She’s quirky and quite a jokester. She’s actively involved in the lives of her husband, father, siblings, daughters, and nieces and nephews. She has a lot of life to give. Please help us get her the treatment she needs to continue living her best life. Furthermore by supporting my mother, you are also supporting research towards the improved treatment of Alzheimer’s. If she is able to get on this treatment, her results will be used in future studies.
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