Elkins Corridor Medical Center expands access to Alzheimer’s disease infusion therapy

ELKINS, W.Va. — Elkins Corridor Medical Center, operated by WVU Medicine United Hospital Center, is expanding access to a new generation of Alzheimer’s disease treatment by offering services to administer anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody infusion therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.

These innovative therapies are designed for eligible patients with early Alzheimer’s disease and work by targeting amyloid plaques in the brain. While they are not a cure, they have been shown to slow the progression of the disease, helping patients maintain cognitive function longer than would otherwise be expected.

The first patient to begin treatment at ECMC marks an important milestone for the region and paves the way for additional patients to receive ongoing infusions closer to home at other WVU Medicine regional infusion centers, including WVU Medicine United Hospital Center and WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Patients interested in this treatment must first establish care with a neurologist who will determine whether they meet the clinical criteria for therapy. Once approved and treatment is initiated, patients may receive their scheduled infusions at participating WVU Medicine regional infusion centers, allowing them to continue care in the community most convenient for them.

Because these therapies require careful monitoring, treatment follows a highly structured schedule. Patients receive routine brain MRI scans at specific intervals throughout therapy to ensure treatment remains safe and appropriate. This coordinated approach allows neurologists and infusion teams across the WVU Medicine system to provide seamless, high-quality care. The educational materials provided to infusion teams also emphasize the importance of ongoing cognitive assessments, MRI monitoring and close communication between neurologists and infusion centers throughout treatment.

“We are incredibly proud to bring these services to our community because we know the difference it will make in the lives of our patients and their families,” said Abby Haddix, MSN, RN, director of Elkins Corridor Medical Center. “Access to quality healthcare shouldn’t come at the cost of long hours on the road or time away from loved ones. By offering these services close to home, we’re helping ease that burden, making it easier for patients to receive the care they need while remaining surrounded by the support of family, friends, and their community. This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to improving access to exceptional care and ensuring our neighbors can receive the services they deserve without having to leave the community they call home.”

“Offering this infusion speaks to the ability of our staff and to the benefit of being part of an institute and system. Through sharing resources and ongoing collaboration, we are committed to providing care closer to home,” said Meredith Williams, MPH, RN, OCN, regional director of Cancer Services — Central.

As Alzheimer’s disease continues to impact millions of individuals and families nationwide, expanding access to advanced therapies represents another step forward in bringing specialized care closer to home. Through collaboration among neurologists, infusion specialists and regional care teams, WVU Medicine is committed to ensuring patients have access to the latest evidence-based treatments without unnecessary travel.

“Having these treatments available closer to home has made an incredible difference for our family,” said the family member of an ECMC Alzheimer’s infusion patient. “Before, every infusion meant traveling to Morgantown, which often required an entire day and became especially stressful during inclement weather. Being able to receive these treatments in Elkins has saved us countless hours on the road, reduced travel expenses, and eased so much of the burden for us. It allows us to spend less time traveling and more time focusing on what truly matters – supporting our loved one.”

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease infusion therapy or to learn whether you may be a candidate, speak with your neurologist or visit your nearest WVU Medicine provider.