Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas – Two years after DHR Health announced it was the first hospital south of San Antonio to successfully administer Leqembi, an FDA-approved intravenous treatment for early Alzheimer’s disease, DHR Health continues to expand access to advanced Alzheimer’s care for patients in the Rio Grande Valley being now the only facility doing amyloid PET Scans, a diagnostic test to accurately diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. DHR Health also offers Kisunla, another FDA-approved intravenous treatment for early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease.
As June marks Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, this milestone reflects DHR Health’s commitment to bringing innovative, evidence-based treatments to South Texas and helping eligible patients receive care without having to travel far from home.
“For families facing Alzheimer’s disease, access to specialized care close to home can make a tremendous difference,” said Dr. Roberto Alejandro Cruz, neurologist at DHR Health. “These treatments are not a cure, but for appropriate patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, they may help slow disease progression. Our goal is to provide comprehensive evaluation, counseling, monitoring and treatment here in the Rio Grande Valley, close to patients’ support systems.”
According to Dr. Cruz, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder characterized by abnormal protein deposits and changes that gradually affect memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to function independently. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, and early evaluation is important because newer treatment options are intended for patients in the early stages of the disease.
Leqembi and Kisunla are part of a new generation of Alzheimer’s therapies that target amyloid plaques in the brain. Patients must undergo a careful medical evaluation to determine whether they are appropriate candidates, including confirmation of amyloid pathology and safety monitoring before and during treatment.
To learn more about these treatment options, or to make an appointment, please contact the DHR Health Neuroscience Institute at (956) 362-8500.
