Treatments & Medications
Understanding the landscape of current FDA-approved drugs and therapies.
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, there are medications that can temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms and improve 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): Approved in 2023, it shows promise in modestly slowing cognitive and functional decline in early-stage Alzheimer's.
- Aducanumab (Aduhelm): The first therapy to demonstrate that removing amyloid from the brain is reasonably likely to reduce cognitive decline.
- Donanemab: Currently undergoing FDA review (as of late 2023/2024), showing significant clearance of amyloid plaques in clinical trials.
Treatments for Cognitive Symptoms
These drugs help manage memory loss, thinking, and reasoning problems.
- Cholinesterase inhibitors: (e.g., Donepezil/Aricept, Rivastigmine/Exelon). Prescribed to treat symptoms related to memory, thinking, language, judgment, and other thought processes.
- Glutamate regulators: (e.g., Memantine/Namenda). Prescribed to improve memory, attention, reason, language, and the ability to perform simple tasks.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a physician or a neurologist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication regimen.