Worried about memory loss? You’re not alone. Treatment for Alzheimer’s mixes medicines that ease symptoms, newer drugs that aim at the disease process, and everyday steps that help people live better. This page cuts through the noise so you know what to expect and what to ask your doctor.
There are two main groups of medicines used today. First, cholinesterase inhibitors — donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne). They can help thinking and daily skills for months to years in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. Common side effects: nausea, diarrhea, sleep changes, and slow heartbeat. Second, memantine (Namenda) targets different brain chemistry and is used in moderate to severe stages. Side effects are usually mild — dizziness or constipation.
Recently, disease‑modifying antibodies like aducanumab (Aduhelm) and lecanemab (Leqembi) got attention. These drugs target amyloid in the brain and aim to slow decline, not cure the disease. They can reduce amyloid plaques in some people, but benefits vary and come with risks like ARIA — brain swelling or tiny bleeds. If you consider them, you’ll need brain scans and regular monitoring.
Thinking about treatments? Ask your doctor: What benefit can I expect and when? What tests are needed before and during treatment? How will side effects be checked? If considering antibodies, ask about MRI schedules, APOE testing (it can affect risk), and who pays for treatment and scans.
Monitoring matters. For routine drugs, a primary care visit and periodic check-ins are enough. For antibody therapy, expect baseline MRI and repeat scans to watch for ARIA. Keep a medicine list and report falls, confusion, or new headaches right away.
Besides pills, daily habits change outcomes. Regular exercise, good sleep, a Mediterranean‑style diet, blood pressure and diabetes control, and social engagement all help thinking and function. Treating hearing loss and sleep apnea can make a big difference in daily life.
Looking for trials? ClinicalTrials.gov and the Alzheimer’s Association trial finder list studies. Trials may give access to new drugs and extra testing under expert care, but read eligibility and risks closely.
Caregivers need support. Ask about local respite services, counseling, and legal/financial planning early. Simple routines, clear labels, and removing hazards cut daily stress. A primary care team, neurologist, or memory clinic can connect you to community resources.
If cost or access are concerns, check insurance, patient‑assistance programs, and hospital social work. Don’t start or stop meds without a doctor’s OK. Treatment choices depend on stage, health, and goals — and they change as research moves on.
If you want, I can list questions to print for your next doctor visit, or summarize the risks and benefits of a specific drug. Which area would help you most right now?
In 2025, there are several viable alternatives to Aducanumab for treating Alzheimer's. This article discusses six options, including Donepezil, which increases acetylcholine levels, and Lecanemab, known for its antibody targeting Alzheimer's plaque. The pros and cons of each alternative are considered, offering a comprehensive comparison for those exploring treatment choices.
