AMHERST, N.Y. — Rosanne Jeziorowski, 69, has been going to DENT Neurologic Institute for about a year after speaking with her doctor about what she thought was memory loss.

"Long-term memory, some things I don't remember," said Jeziorowski. "And then it got to be some short-term memory I'm having difficulty with, so I just wanted to nip it in the bud."

Following a consultation and series of tests including an MRI, Jeziorowski says she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

"I was, you know, disappointed that I confirmed that I do have an issue, but I was glad that there's something I can do for it," said Jeziorowski.

That something is a medication called lecanemab. DENT administers it in its infusion center, through an IV only to patients with an early diagnosis of Alzheimer's.

Center leaders say the drug attacks a protein that triggers the next step in the progression of the disease.

"That early detection, having those open conversations about changes in cognition is really important," said Sarah Harlock, program director of the Integrative Center for Memory at DENT.

DENT is one of only a few facilities providing the infused medication.

"It's really moved the needle on things," Harlock said. "We want people to live their best life and so if they are having cognitive impairment or memory changes, and it doesn't just have to be memory, but that's often what we focus on. So if they are noticing changes, it's important that they get these things checked out."

Harlock sits on the board of the Alzheimer's Association's Western New York chapter.

Amanda Nobrega, vice president of programs for all upstate chapters, says more than 426,000 people across New York state live with Alzheimer's and early detection gives them more time.

"More time making memories with friends, family," Nobrega said. "More time driving. More time to be able to put legal and financial matters in place. More time to enjoy the moments that really truly are so important."

Harlock caught up with Jeziorowski, who has two kids and a new grandchild, has been taking lecanemab since December and says she's noticed an improvement, with no side effects or reactions.

"I'm doing pretty well, hopefully it's working its way," said Jeziorowski. "Just going to take some time."

Both DENT and the Alzheimer's Association urge all adults to know the signs and symptoms of the disease.

And for many communities, the annual "Walk To End Alzheimer's Disease" will take place in September.

On July 2, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted traditional approval to donanemab (Eli Lilly), sold under the brand name Kisunla, for the treatment of people living with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, which includes mild cognitive impairment and the mild dementia stage of Alzheimer’s disease, with confirmed amyloid plaques. This is the third FDA approval granted for an Alzheimer’s treatment that changes the underlying course of the disease.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America released a statement, saying:

“We are encouraged by the FDA’s approval of donanemab and are optimistic that it will make a positive difference in the lives of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their family caregivers. As with any medication, patient access and affordability to all those in need is vitally important, and we hope the FDA’s actions will facilitate both.

“This is another positive sign of further progress, but we must keep moving forward until we reach the finish line—a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Federal policymakers must continue increasing investments in Alzheimer’s disease research and support services for caregivers to provide help and hope to the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s.”

In Part 2 of our report, we examine the use of CBD to help combat agitation in patients with late-stage Alzheimer's and why there are mixed reviews.