In 2023, Lance McNeel, 68, experienced a disorienting moment while driving home. "I was just a few blocks away, and all of a sudden, everything was unfamiliar," he recounted. This incident led to a diagnosis of early Alzheimer's disease following cognitive tests by a neurologist.
Lance's wife, Liz McNeel, who had become knowledgeable about Alzheimer's through her work and volunteer efforts with the Alzheimer’s Association, recognized the symptoms in her husband. "As a volunteer community educator, we would always talk about what changes to look out for," she said.
Seeking treatment options, the couple discovered UTHealth Houston's research on Leqembi, an FDA-approved drug for early-stage Alzheimer's. In November 2023, they consulted David Hunter, MD, at UTHealth Houston. "Lance had already gotten all of the work up that existed at that time for Leqembi," Hunter explained.
Leqembi targets beta-amyloid plaques in the brain believed to cause Alzheimer's. Lance began infusions in January 2024 and has shown slower cognitive decline compared to typical progression rates. "That's exactly what we've been hoping to see," Hunter noted.
Lance continues his passion for painting with a series titled "Living with Dementia." He and Liz advocate against stigmas associated with Alzheimer's. "We have met so many people who lose hope," Lance shared.
Hunter aims to expand access to advanced therapies like Leqembi across Texas. "It's the first time in human history that we've had an effect on Alzheimer’s," he stated.
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