Jun 04, 2024

First Hospital South of San Antonio to Pioneer Alzheimer's Treatment Breakthrough

Under Dr. R. Alejandro Cruz's guidance (pictured), DHR Health proudly announced being the first hospital south of San Antonio to administer Leqembi, an FDA-approved Alzheimer's treatment. This achievement signifies a groundbreaking healthcare advancement for the Rio Grande Valley. To learn more about this groundbreaking treatment, or to make an appointment, please contact the DHR Health Neuroscience Institute at (956) 362-8500.
Jun 04, 2024

First Hospital South of San Antonio to Pioneer Alzheimer's Treatment Breakthrough

Edinburg, Texas: DHR Health proudly announced today that it is the first hospital, south of San Antonio, to successfully administer Leqembi, an FDA-approved medication for the early treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. This achievement marks a groundbreaking advancement in healthcare for the Rio Grande Valley.

Under the guidance of neurologist, Dr. R. Alejandro Cruz, and the dedicated team at the DHR Health Neuroscience Institute, a meticulously set of comprehensive protocols have been developed for the administration of Leqembi. From initial patient assessments to laboratory testing, radiology procedures, and the establishment of a state-of-the-art infusion center, every aspect of patient care has been planned and executed.

“I am very proud of the hard work of our team at DHR Health, being the first facility to provide this groundbreaking therapy for Alzheimer’s disease will mark a new era of hope for our community,” said  Dr. R, Alejandro Cruz, DHR Health Neurologist.

“As the largest physician-owned hospital in the United States and a leading healthcare provider in the Rio Grande Valley, we are immensely proud to be at the forefront of Alzheimer's disease treatment in South Texas, giving patients access to this groundbreaking therapy,” said Marissa Castaneda, Senior Executive Vice President at DHR Health. “This achievement represents our ongoing commitment to bringing innovative and advanced treatment options to our community. We are proud to provide world-class care that is close to home,” added Castaneda.

According to Dr. Cruz, Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that worsens over time. It is characterized by changes in the brain that lead to deposits of certain proteins. Alzheimer's disease causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to eventually die. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia - a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior and social skills. These changes affect a person's ability to function. The introduction of Leqembi represents a ray of hope for those affected by this debilitating condition, offering the potential to improve quality of life and slow disease progression.  

DHR Health remains committed to delivering exceptional care, as a new chapter in Alzheimer's treatment is available to patients of the Rio Grande Valley. To learn more about this groundbreaking treatment, or to make an appointment, please contact the DHR Health Neuroscience Institute at (956) 362-8500.