Newly approved Alzheimer’s Disease drug gives new hope to WYFF News 4’s Geoff Hart, family
Geoff #Geoff
The first new drug to fight Alzheimer’s Disease in 20 years is offering great hope for WYFF News 4’s Geoff Hart.
Geoff, just 58 years old, announced last month that he is in the early stages of the disease.
Sign up for our Newsletters
He and his wife Sarah shared their story with the community in hopes of encouraging other people who have received the tough medical diagnosis and really, in hopes of offering encouragement to anyone facing a “giant” of any kind, as Geoff calls it.
In fact, when his oldest daughter expressed concern that he might become the “face” of Alzheimer’s Disease, Geoff said, “If it happens that way, it’s OK. It’s OK if it helps somebody else.”
If you live anywhere around this area, you’re still likely to see Geoff biking or hiking or walking or swimming in the area. Maintaining his physical fitness is one thing he can do to hopefully slow the disease progression.
And on June 7, 2021, the FDA helped out, as well.
The agency fast-tracked a new drug that may help Geoff’s brain join in the battle.
The drug is called aducanumab (pronounced “add-you-CAN-you-mab”). It’s been more than a decade in development by Biogen. The drug is the first therapy to show signs of slowing the progress of Alzheimer’s Disease. It does not reverse the effects of the disease or stop the progression. But people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and their families pray for a “slow beginning,” and that is the hope of this new drug.
Geoff’s doctor, Dr. James Lah at Emory University, said he feels Geoff is an excellent candidate for aducanumab.
He says most people living with Alzheimer’s Disease may not be able to do some of the things they are used to doing, but they can still experience an excellent quality of life while in the early stages of the disease.
So, being able to slow the progression, for someone who is otherwise healthy and in his 50’s as Geoff is – is well worth trying. That’s his hope for Geoff.
But Lah said accessibility to the drug will be difficult for many in the beginning.
“It is monthly IV infusion. It is going to be very expensive (estimated at $56,000 a year for typical monthly infusions), and so payers of medical insurance and Medicare are going to restrict access to only those people who should receive the drug, and are likely to benefit. But Geoff will hopefully check all of those boxes and be able to avail himself of these new treatments,” Lah said.
Geoff and Sarah are ready to go. It could still be several months before his treatments begin, but they will keep us posted on their progress.
Geoff said at times he can’t get words out – and sometimes it takes time to find the right words. But he’s sleeping well and feeling good, otherwise.
“He is living his best life as a ‘stay at home Dad,’” his daughter Eleanor said.
The entire “Hart Strong” family has appreciated the great support, the cards, prayers, and encouragement that viewers have poured over them in these last weeks.
He posted his thanks Thursday on his Facebook page.
Geoff has loved and served his community well – and you’re loving him right back.
Anyone who would like to send a word of encouragement to Geoff and his family can mail it to:
WYFF News 4, Care of Geoff Hart
505 Rutherford Street
Greenville, SC 29609
TOP STORIES FROM WYFF:
Truck involved in hit-and-run that killed Greenville County teacher was stolen, troopers say
Coroner releases name of Upstate teen killed when vehicle hit tree
SCDOT worker killed, 2 others injured in head-on crash in Upstate
One person found dead after fire at Simpsonville home, coroner says
Deputies issue Silver Alert for missing man in Chevy Corvette with dementia
It’s back! Fall for Greenville announces 2021 dates
READ THE FULL STORY:Newly approved Alzheimer’s Disease drug gives new hope to WYFF News 4’s Geoff Hart, family
CHECK OUT WYFF:Get the latest Greenville news and weather. For live, local, late-breaking Greenville, SC, news coverage, WYFF is the place to be.