Breakthrough Alzheimer’s Treatment Gives Hope to Valley Resident

Eight years ago, Jim Sanson was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. For the first time since then he and his wife have hope.

PHOENIX — Jim and Susie Sanson sit together in a small, white room, finding comfort in each other. The room only contains a large chair and a TV. Jim, who doesn’t fully recall why he’s there, understands the significance of the moment.

“I feel great,” Jim said. “My doctor told me what he was thinking about, and I said, ‘Let’s go.’ So, we’re going to see what happens.”

For the first time in eight years, the Sansons have hope.

“We know many people have passed away without options,” Susie stated. “So this is beyond hope, it really is.”

The initial Alzheimer’s diagnosis was deeply impactful for the Sanson family.

“We had seen some of his family members go through it,” Susie explained. “I saw my father go through Alzheimer’s. When [Jim] was diagnosed it was life-changing and scary. Lucky for Jim, he forgets about it, that’s the best part of the disease I can tell you.”

Maintaining a positive outlook has been a challenge. They even sold their business due to difficulties managing it. The lack of treatment options was particularly frustrating.

“Oh, it’s frustrating because our doctor felt horrible because he couldn’t give us anything. He would say there’s nothing out there for us.”

However, that changed after the FDA recently approved Kisunla on July 1, 2024.

“This particular product is unique,” said Scott Hardey, Vice President for Pharma Relations at Aleracare. “It goes and helps the patient in a meaningful way.”

Kisunla targets plaques in the brain, potentially slowing cognitive decline.

“It’s not a cure for Alzheimer’s, but it removes amyloid plaques and stops progression. Trials show it provides hope and real outcomes,” Hardey added.

Kisunla is an infusion administered monthly. According to Eli Lilly and Company, trials over six years showed Kisunla reduced amyloid plaques by significant percentages at various intervals.

The results are promising for individuals with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. For the first time in eight years, Jim is receiving treatment.

“It’s a huge relief,” Susie shared.

Jim is one of the first in the nation to receive Kisunla, with 30-minute monthly IV sessions. The Sansons are hopeful for visible results after the second treatment.

“It’s really the real deal,” Susie said. “The numbers shown in studies are amazing. I’ve read all about it, it’s astounding really.”

The goal is to give patients more time. After 51 years of marriage, Jim and Susie Sanson hope for more time together.

“Time is everything,” Susie said. “It’s a very big deal and he’s the best, he absolutely is the best.”

“My kids are good, my doctors are good, my wife is good, I’m blessed, I’m very lucky,” Jim concluded.

If you have questions about Kisunla, officials recommend consulting your doctor.

This mentions that if readers want to ask about Kisunla, they should check with their doctors about the new Alzheimer’s treatment.