Pompano Beach Alzheimer’s Patient Sees Brain Plaques Cleared After New Treatment

POMPANO BEACH (VINnews) — A 79-year-old Pompano Beach grandfather has completed 18 months of treatment with Kisunla, an FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drug designed to remove amyloid plaques from the brain, according to a press release by Broward Health.

Scott Milinski initially attributed changes in his memory and mood to aging or anxiety. His wife, Fran, encouraged him to see a neurologist, in part because Milinski had watched his father experience advanced Alzheimer’s disease.

Testing, including cognitive assessments, an MRI and PET scans, confirmed the presence of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Milinski was referred to Hazel Wiley, D.O., medical director of Broward Health North’s Memory Disorder & Alzheimer’s Center. Wiley discussed treatment options with him, including Kisunla, an infusion therapy that targets amyloid plaques.

According to Broward Health, Milinski underwent additional PET scans, an MRI, blood biomarker testing and cognitive assessments before being approved for treatment. The health system said he was the second person in Florida to receive the treatment.

Kisunla is typically administered by infusion every four weeks. Broward Health said clinical trials found that the treatment can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 30%.

After 18 months of treatment and regular monitoring, Wiley told Milinski that testing showed he was free of detectable amyloid plaques.

Milinski said the news was emotional for him and his family.

“I’ll never forget that day,” he said, according to Broward Health. “I was in shock, my wife started crying and Dr. Wiley was pretty choked up as well.”

Broward Health emphasized that Milinski has not been cured of Alzheimer’s disease. The goal of Kisunla is to remove amyloid plaques and slow disease progression.

The Memory Disorder & Alzheimer’s Center now has more than 60 patients receiving the treatment, Broward Health said.

Milinski has since returned to activities he enjoys, including fishing, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

But one of his greatest joys is hearing his grandson call him “Grandpa” — and knowing exactly whose voice it is.