In a poignant account of a family facing Alzheimer’s disease, Lance McNeel, now 68, experienced a moment of confusion while driving home.
Just a few blocks away, he suddenly found everything unfamiliar, prompting him to call his wife, Liz, for directions back to their own home.
Liz McNeel, equipped with knowledge from her background in real estate and experience with older adults, began to recognize subtle changes in Lance’s cognition.
Having educated herself through resources from the Alzheimer’s Association, she noticed symptoms that made her realize something was amiss.
“I saw that in Lance and thought, ‘This is not normal,’ and I knew something wasn’t right,” Liz explained.
In July, following a series of cognitive tests carried out by a neurologist, Lance was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s disease, leading them on a challenging new path.
The tests aimed to assess various cognitive functions, including orientation, memory, and executive function, using tasks such as naming objects and following instructions.
Upon receiving the diagnosis, Liz shared their philosophy: “We try very hard to make the best of it, and every day we get up and say, ‘okay, today we’re going to create some new pathways, some new memories.'”
With no cure available, the couple committed to finding ways to slow the disease’s progression as soon as possible.
They explored the latest advancements in medication, including Leqembi, a newfound treatment for Alzheimer’s, and discovered the research being conducted at UTHealth Houston.
Liz reached out for information, seeking the best possible care for her husband.
In November, Lance met with Dr. David Hunter, an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, who evaluated him as a candidate for Leqembi.
“Lance had already gone through all the necessary evaluations for Leqembi, so we were able to discuss the risks and benefits right away,” Hunter stated.
Leqembi, the brand name for lecanemab-irmb, received accelerated FDA approval in January 2023 and is designed to combat early-stage Alzheimer’s by targeting beta-amyloid proteins that form plaques in the brain.
These amyloid plaques, believed to disrupt cognitive function, can develop 20 years before any symptoms are apparent.
With Hunter’s guidance, Lance began Leqembi infusions shortly after his diagnosis, starting in January 2024.
As of now, he is undergoing his 36th infusion.
In clinical trials, participants using Leqembi exhibited significantly less cognitive decline than those who received a placebo.
Dr. Hunter expressed satisfaction with Lance’s progress, stating, “Even though Alzheimer’s is progressing, we have slowed it down.”
Remarkably, Lance’s cognitive test score has only dropped by one point two years post-diagnosis, contradicting the average decline seen in similar patients.
Not only has Lance adapted to his treatment, but he has also embraced his passion for painting.
He initiated a series called “Living with Dementia,” capturing daily experiences through his art.
Liz remarked on the therapeutic aspects of his painting, as it engages his mind and allows him to express his journey through creativity.
Together, the McNeels advocate for awareness about Alzheimer’s disease in their community, striving to dismantle the stigmas associated with it.
Lance shared his perspective, saying, “We have met so many people who lose hope and just decide, ‘Well, there is no cure, so why would I seek treatment?’”
He passionately encourages others to seek treatment, emphasizing his desire to remain himself for as long as possible.
Dr. Hunter remains optimistic about the future of Alzheimer’s diagnoses and treatments and aims to expand access to therapies like Leqembi for patients in rural areas.
He explained that patients must be closely monitored for the first 18 months of treatment due to potential risks, including brain swelling and bleeding.
Working with hospitals in Texas, Hunter hopes to facilitate wider access to necessary evaluations and infusions.
“It’s the first time in human history that we’ve had an effect on Alzheimer’s,” Hunter concluded.
Inspiring others, Lance and Liz continue to seek new memories and experiences, forging a path of hope amidst the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.
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