New infusion center dedicated to Alzheimer’s and dementia treatment

A dedicated, on-site infusion center will soon open at the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix, giving more patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia the opportunity to benefit from infusion-based clinical trials of the newest treatments. A philanthropic investment of $1.2 million from the Zuendel family has made the on-site infusion center a reality, supporting construction, equipment, technology, furnishing, signage, wayfinding and more.

“This investment improves access, efficiency, and, in some instances, safety for patients, ensuring that those who are eligible can receive available treatments as soon as they are brought to market, without delay, and meet the growing demand for infusion-based Alzheimer’s clinical trials,” says Dr. Pierre Tariot, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute director.

Most of the experimental therapies being studied for both the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s and related dementias are biologic agents requiring infusion or injection. Specifically, the disease-modifying biological therapy, aducanumab, is an intravenous infusion of antibodies that has received accelerated approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is the first FDA-approved therapy to address the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s disease.

Until now, BAI researchers have been using outpatient infusion centers at Banner Health hospitals for studies, but this option has been in jeopardy due to hospital safety measures related to COVID-19, as most patients require a family member or study partner be present during medical appointments.

In addition to offering greater safety and convenience for patients, the dedicated infusion center is a key component of BAI’s preparations to handle a potentially high volume of patients eligible for treatment. Because no treatment has ever been available to cure Alzheimer’s disease, an estimated 13 million Americans who live with mild cognitive impairment—often an early sign of Alzheimer’s—are never formally/clinically evaluated, diagnosed, or treated. The availability of a new and effective therapy means that millions more Americans in search of hope will more readily seek testing, ask for a more specific diagnosis, and ultimately, receive treatment for the disease.