Hope and Progress: Breakthrough FDA-Approved Alzheimer’s Treatments at Baptist Health Memory Clinic–North Little Rock

When a patient receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. For 75-year-old retired educator Ruth Wetsell, early signs of memory loss made her fearful of losing her sense of self.

“I just would forget conversations... I would forget stuff that happened in the past that was significant that I shouldn't forget. I felt in the beginning like I was losing myself.”— Ruth Wetsell, Patient

Today, thanks to innovative diagnostic tools and newly FDA-approved therapies available at Baptist Health Memory Clinic–North Little Rock, patients like Ruth are finding renewed optimism and extra years of independence.

A New Era in Alzheimer’s Treatment: Monoclonal Antibodies

For decades, Alzheimer’s care focused strictly on managing symptoms. Today, disease-modifying monoclonal antibody therapies—such as Lequembi (lecanemab) and Kisunla (donanemab) are changing the treatment landscape by directly targeting the root biological cause of the disease.

“What these medicines do is try to wash out the amyloid that has built up over the years and is one of the triggers of the cascade of problems that start with Alzheimer's disease.”— Dr. Anthony Davis, General Neurologist at Baptist Health

By clearing toxic amyloid plaques from the brain, these FDA-approved treatments help slow down cognitive and functional decline. While they are not a cure and cannot reverse existing tissue damage, slowing disease progression translates into invaluable quality time for patients and their loved ones.

Any time, any month any week that we can add in there there is more time where they're independent or able to interact with their family”— Dr. Anthony Davis

Precision Diagnosis with Amyloid PET Scans

Early detection is essential for monoclonal antibody therapies to be effective. At Baptist Health Memory Clinic–North Little Rock, specialists utilize advanced Amyloid PET scans to identify amyloid plaque accumulation in the brain before initiating treatment. When Ruth first visited the clinic, an Amyloid PET scan confirmed the presence of core amyloid biomarkers, establishing a clear diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease. After 18 months of regular infusion treatments, follow-up PET imaging revealed remarkable progress:

"On Miss Wetsell's scans, it was very easily identified as a positive scan before, and her more recent scan after 18 months of treatment is clearly negative.”— Dr. Anthony Davis

Returning to What Matters Most

For Ruth, the biological clearing of amyloid plaques translated directly into real-world benefits. Almost two years after starting her infusions, she continues to live independently, tutor young students, and stay actively involved in her community.

“It makes me feel young... I feel like I'm back on my game. And now, I don't feel that way anymore. I'm hopeful, I'm happy... My kids are going to have to put up with me a little bit longer!”— Ruth Wetsell

Ruth’s journey offers a powerful message for families navigating memory concerns: get evaluated early and don't stop doing what you love.

Take the First Step at Baptist Health

If you or a loved one are experiencing early memory loss or cognitive changes, early intervention offers the best opportunity to access disease-modifying treatments.

To learn more about specialized diagnostic evaluations, Amyloid PET scans, and infusion therapies, contact:

Baptist Health Memory Clinic-North Little Rock, 3401 Springhill Drive, Suite 490-A, North Little Rock. Phone number: (501) 202-6860.