Treatments & Medications
Understanding the landscape of current FDA-approved drugs, therapies, and lifestyle approaches.
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, there are medications that can temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms, and non-drug approaches that can meaningfully improve day-to-day quality of life.
Disease-Modifying Treatments
These newer drugs aim to change the underlying biology of the disease by targeting amyloid plaques in the brain.
Lecanemab (Leqembi)
Received traditional FDA approval in 2023. Shows promise in modestly slowing cognitive and functional decline in early-stage Alzheimer's by targeting amyloid plaques.
Donanemab (Kisunla)
Received traditional FDA approval in 2024. Clinical trials showed significant clearance of amyloid plaques in early Alzheimer's disease.
Aducanumab (Aduhelm)
The first therapy to demonstrate that removing amyloid from the brain is reasonably likely to reduce cognitive decline.
Treatments for Cognitive Symptoms
These drugs help manage memory loss, thinking, and reasoning problems rather than the underlying disease.
Cholinesterase inhibitors
Donepezil (Aricept), Rivastigmine (Exelon)
Prescribed to treat symptoms related to memory, thinking, language, judgment, and other thought processes.
Glutamate regulators
Memantine (Namenda)
Prescribed to improve memory, attention, reasoning, language, and the ability to perform simple tasks.
Non-Drug Approaches
Lifestyle interventions won't reverse the disease, but research links them to slower decline and better wellbeing.
Physical Exercise
Regular aerobic activity is linked to slower cognitive decline and improved mood and sleep quality.
Cognitive Stimulation
Puzzles, music therapy, and structured mental activities can help maintain cognitive function longer.
Social Engagement
Staying socially active reduces isolation, which is independently linked to faster cognitive decline.
Diet & Nutrition
Mediterranean and MIND diets rich in vegetables, fish, and healthy fats are associated with lower dementia risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cure for Alzheimer's disease?+
Not yet. Current disease-modifying drugs like lecanemab and donanemab can modestly slow decline in early-stage disease, and other medications ease symptoms, but no treatment stops or reverses Alzheimer's.
What do amyloid-targeting drugs like lecanemab and donanemab actually do?+
These FDA-approved antibody drugs clear amyloid plaques from the brain. Clinical trials showed they modestly slow cognitive and functional decline in people with early-stage Alzheimer's.
Are there side effects to disease-modifying treatments?+
Yes. The most notable risk is ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities) - brain swelling or micro-bleeding that is usually monitored with regular MRI scans during treatment.
Can lifestyle changes alone treat Alzheimer's?+
Lifestyle interventions such as exercise, diet, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation won't reverse the disease, but research links them to slower decline and better day-to-day wellbeing alongside medical treatment.
How do I know which treatment is right for a loved one?+
Treatment choice depends on disease stage, overall health, and eligibility for newer therapies. A neurologist or memory-care specialist can evaluate these factors and recommend an appropriate plan.
Recent Developments
See more treatment news →Authoritative Sources
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a physician or a neurologist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication regimen.