Andrea Thurmond, known by her friends and family as ‘Babo,’ started developing short-term memory loss in 2023. Fearing the worst, her husband, Dan, decided they needed to see someone about it.
They were soon able to get an appointment with Daniel Tarquinio, MD, a neurologist with Northeast Georgia Physician Group.
“After completing a series of tests, I diagnosed Babo with mild cognitive impairment, the earliest stage of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Tarquinio. “I had her start a new type of infusion therapy, lecanemab (brand name is Leqembi), approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2023, which Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) began offering in December of that same year.”
“We were thrilled when we heard that Babo would be the first patient to receive this cutting-edge therapy,” said Dan. “She was feeling great, and no adverse side-effects!”
Northeast Georgia Medical Center employs a cognitive nurse navigator, Ashley Trammell, who serves as a point of contact and resource for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients like Babo. The role was created in 2023 thanks to a gift to the NGHS Foundation.
“Lecanemab treatment is prescribed for patients with early-stage cases of Alzheimer’s disease who meet certain criteria,” said Ashley. “Alzheimer’s patients are often affected by short-term memory loss first, so this medication aims to slow the progression of those symptoms.”
Lecanemab is an infusion therapy that works by removing plaque from the brain that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Patients undergo regular testing, including MRIs, to monitor their progress over time.
“The medication makes me feel better and see better,” said Babo. “Everyone at NGHS has been great – especially Dr. Tarquinio and Ashley. I enjoy seeing my new friends at the Infusion Center, too.”
Donald Thomas, another patient receiving lecanemab treatment, sits next to Babo during their infusions, and they enjoy laughing and sharing stories with each other.
“Don and I have a good time getting our infusions together,” said Babo. “I bet they’ve never seen a duo like us before. As far as I’m concerned – life is too short not to have fun.”
NGHS has an outpatient Infusion Center in Gainesville where Babo receives her treatments. There are over 50 patients currently undergoing lecanemab infusion therapy. Patients receive infusions every two weeks for up to 18 months.
“I’ve been pleased to see how few side effects have been reported,” said Danielle Streetman, infusion coordinator for NGPG Neurology. “It’s been rewarding to be a part of this program and to see patients like Babo doing so well.”
Babo is still able to enjoy many of the things she did before her diagnosis – especially spending time on their family farm with her children and grandchildren. She has an infectious personality and a quick sense of humor.
“It’s remarkable the things she is still able to do – like play the piano while I sing,” said Dan. “There’s no stopping her as far as I can see. We have been blessed throughout this journey – not only from the medication itself but also from the caring individuals who have taken care of Babo along the way.”