More than 6.7 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the National Institutes of Health. For the first time ever, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug that’s meant to slow the progression of symptoms for those in the early stages of the disease, which some consider to be a major scientific breakthrough.

The battle against Alzheimer’s is all too familiar to Meg Boyce. She’s been with the Alzheimer’s Association for more than 20 years. She wears purple on this day because she says it’s a color of hope.

“Hope in finding that cure,” she said.

The FDA’s recent full approval of Lecanemab or Leqembi, an infusion treatment given every other week, she says, is a game-changer.

The drug is claimed to reduce progression of memory loss by 27%, or approximately six months, in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. It works by removing a substance called amyloid from the brain – thought to be one of the leading causes of Alzheimer’s.

“I myself know of a very good friend of mine, who was actually diagnosed at 51, so she’s been diagnosed with younger onset; she’s now 56, but she’s still in the very early stages of the disease,” Boyce said. “And she has been a true fighter in order for the FDA to really approve these treatments so that she can benefit from them.”

The Davies family is also hoping to benefit from this drug. Chris Davies was diagnosed at age 51. The now-56-year-old is eager to get started on the medication. His wife, Cheri, opened up about what access to this medication means to them.

“Any day that we have extra, that Chris is aware of what’s going on, is a really huge gift to us, and so this medication that could potentially kind of stall his progression, for a significant period of time, 6 months to us is a significant period of time,” said Cheri Davies.

There are dangerous side effects associated with Leqembi, including brain swelling and brain bleeding. Cheri Davies says they understand the risks but remain hopeful.

“For us, we feel like the benefits are going to outweigh what those risks are, and we have great health care, so we know that our doctors that we have, are going to be onboard, and try and mitigate any of those things that might happen,” she said.

Dr. Jason Cohen, a neurologist at Montefiore Medical Center, says Leqembi is a major scientific advancement; however, he’s concerned about the side effects and the cost – the list price is around $26,500 a year.

“We’re trying to figure out how we do this, in a way, that gives both the individual patient the best access,” said Cohen, “but also thinking about equity, and equality, and making sure that everyone has the same opportunity but also really keeping the risks under control, and making sure that we don’t inadvertently or accidentally harm people while trying to help them.”

“It means more time for them to be with their loved ones, to possibly attend a wedding that they may not have been able to attend, to attend birthday parties, and holiday celebrations, for someone who is diagnosed, this is huge,” said Boyce.

Medicare plans to cover most of the cost, but patients will still have to pay several thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. That could make access difficult for Black and Hispanic patients who are at higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and statistically don’t come from wealthier backgrounds.