There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatment can help manage symptoms and, for some people in the early stages, slow the progression of the disease. Treatment plans may include medications that target memory and thinking symptoms, newer disease-modifying therapies that target amyloid plaques, and non-drug approaches that support daily functioning and quality of life. If you are looking for a specialty pharmacy near me, specialty pharmacy services may also help with access to and ongoing management of certain complex medications.
Because Alzheimer’s affects people differently, treatment is usually tailored to the person’s stage of disease, symptoms, overall health, other medications, and personal needs. A healthcare provider can help determine which treatments are appropriate and monitor for benefits and side effects.
Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment Goals
Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease generally focuses on several goals rather than curing the condition. These include maintaining memory and thinking abilities for as long as possible, managing behavioral and psychological symptoms, supporting independence, improving quality of life, and helping caregivers manage changing needs.
Some medications provide temporary or modest symptom relief, while newer treatments are designed to target biological changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment may also include strategies for sleep, nutrition, physical activity, safety, social engagement, and daily routines.
Medications That Treat Alzheimer’s Symptoms
Several prescription medications are used to manage cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The most commonly used medications include donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and memantine. A prescription delivery service can also make it more convenient for patients to receive ongoing medications when available through the service.
These medications do not cure Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, they may temporarily improve or stabilize memory, thinking, or other symptoms in some people. The appropriate medication depends partly on the stage of the disease and the individual’s response to treatment.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Cholinesterase inhibitors include:
- Donepezil
- Rivastigmine
- Galantamine
These medications work by affecting acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in memory and thinking. They may help some people maintain cognitive function or manage symptoms for a period of time.
Donepezil may be prescribed across different stages of Alzheimer’s dementia, while rivastigmine and galantamine are generally used for earlier stages. A healthcare provider determines which medication and dosage are appropriate.
Memantine
Memantine is another medication used in Alzheimer’s disease, particularly for moderate to severe dementia. It affects the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.
Memantine may be used by itself or in combination with another Alzheimer’s medication. Like cholinesterase inhibitors, it does not cure the underlying disease.
Disease-Modifying Alzheimer’s Treatments
In addition to medications that manage symptoms, newer treatments target amyloid beta, a protein that forms plaques in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Two FDA-approved anti-amyloid treatments currently include lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla). These treatments are intended for people in the early symptomatic stages of Alzheimer’s disease, such as mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, with confirmed amyloid pathology.
These medications do not reverse Alzheimer’s disease or restore lost memory. Clinical trials have shown that they can reduce the rate of clinical decline in appropriate patients, making patient selection and medical monitoring important parts of treatment.
Lecanemab
Lecanemab, marketed as Leqembi, is an amyloid beta-directed antibody. The FDA granted traditional approval after a confirmatory clinical trial verified clinical benefit. It was studied in people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease who had confirmed amyloid pathology.
In July 2026, the FDA also approved a new subcutaneous starting-dose regimen that allows certain patients to begin Leqembi treatment at home by themselves or with caregiver assistance, expanding administration options beyond the original intravenous approach.
Donanemab
Donanemab, marketed as Kisunla, was approved by the FDA in July 2024 for adults with Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment is initiated in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, the population studied in clinical trials.
Kisunla is administered as an intravenous infusion every four weeks. In clinical trials, treatment reduced clinical decline compared with placebo in the studied population.
Risks and Monitoring With Anti-Amyloid Treatments
Anti-amyloid treatments are not appropriate for everyone. They can cause amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which may involve brain swelling or small areas of bleeding visible on MRI.
Because of these risks, treatment requires medical evaluation and monitoring. Doctors may use brain imaging and other assessments before and during treatment. Factors such as certain medical conditions, medications, and genetic characteristics can influence treatment considerations.
Patients should discuss the potential benefits and risks with their healthcare provider before starting an anti-amyloid medication.
Treatment for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms
Alzheimer’s disease can cause more than memory problems. People may experience anxiety, depression, agitation, confusion, sleep disturbances, irritability, or changes in behavior.
Treatment often begins with identifying and addressing possible triggers. Pain, infection, medication side effects, changes in routine, environmental stress, hunger, dehydration, and poor sleep can sometimes contribute to behavioral changes.
Non-drug approaches are generally considered before medications when appropriate. These may include maintaining a predictable routine, reducing stressful situations, providing reassurance, improving the environment, and addressing unmet physical or emotional needs.
In some situations, healthcare providers may prescribe medications for depression, anxiety, severe agitation, or other symptoms. These medications require careful consideration because older adults with dementia can be particularly sensitive to medication side effects.
Lifestyle and Non-Drug Support
Medication is only one part of Alzheimer’s care. Lifestyle and behavioral strategies can help support overall health, daily functioning, and quality of life.
Research supported by the National Institute on Aging includes studies examining physical activity, cognitive training, sleep, diet, social engagement, and combinations of these approaches. These strategies continue to be studied for their potential roles in dementia prevention, treatment, and care.
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity can support general health and may be incorporated into an Alzheimer’s care plan when medically appropriate. Walking, stretching, balance exercises, and other activities can help maintain mobility and independence.
The type and intensity of exercise should match the person’s physical abilities and medical conditions. People with balance problems or other limitations may need guidance from a healthcare professional.
Healthy Nutrition
A balanced diet can help support overall health in people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Nutritious foods may include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and other foods that provide adequate calories and nutrients.
As Alzheimer’s progresses, eating can become more difficult. Some people may have reduced appetite, difficulty preparing meals, changes in taste or smell, or trouble remembering to eat. Caregivers may need to provide smaller meals, convenient foods, reminders, or additional support.
Sleep Management
Sleep problems are common in Alzheimer’s disease. A person may sleep too much, wake frequently during the night, nap during the day, or become restless and confused as evening approaches.
Maintaining a consistent daily schedule, encouraging appropriate daytime activity, limiting late-day naps, and creating a comfortable sleep environment may help. Persistent sleep problems should be discussed with a healthcare provider because medical conditions and medications can also affect sleep.
Cognitive and Social Engagement
Cognitive and social activities can provide meaningful engagement. Depending on the person’s abilities, activities may include conversation, music, reading, puzzles, hobbies, games, or familiar household tasks.
The goal is not to test the person’s memory or create frustration. Activities should be enjoyable, appropriately challenging, and adapted as the disease progresses.
Managing Other Health Conditions
Managing other medical conditions is an important part of Alzheimer’s care. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, hearing problems, vision problems, depression, and sleep disorders may affect overall health and daily functioning.
A healthcare provider may review prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and other treatments to identify possible interactions or medications that could worsen confusion or other symptoms.
Regular medical care can also help identify new symptoms that may require treatment.
Support for Family Caregivers
Alzheimer’s disease affects the entire caregiving environment. As memory and thinking abilities change, a person may eventually need help with medication management, meals, transportation, finances, personal care, and safety.
Caregivers can benefit from education, respite services, support groups, counseling, and community resources. Planning for future care needs can also help families prepare for changes in independence and living arrangements.
Caregiver support is an important component of Alzheimer’s care because the demands of the disease can increase over time.
Home Safety and Daily Routine
Safety becomes increasingly important as Alzheimer’s progresses. Changes in judgment, memory, vision, and spatial awareness can increase the risk of falls, medication errors, wandering, burns, and other accidents.
Families may consider:
- Removing tripping hazards
- Improving lighting
- Installing handrails where needed
- Securing medications
- Monitoring kitchen appliances
- Using identification or safety technology for wandering risks
- Keeping emergency numbers accessible
- Establishing consistent daily routines
Safety modifications should evolve as the person’s abilities and needs change.
Treatment Options for Different Stages
Alzheimer’s treatment may change as the disease progresses.
Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
Early treatment may focus on maintaining independence, managing cognitive symptoms, addressing other health conditions, and establishing routines. Certain disease-modifying treatments may also be considered for eligible people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease and confirmed amyloid pathology.
Moderate-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
As symptoms become more noticeable, treatment may focus increasingly on maintaining daily function, managing behavioral and psychological symptoms, preventing injuries, and supporting caregivers.
Medications such as memantine may be used in moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease, while other medications may continue depending on the person’s response and healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Severe-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
Advanced Alzheimer’s disease may require substantial assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, mobility, medication management, and other daily activities.
Treatment at this stage often emphasizes comfort, safety, prevention of complications, and quality of life. Families and healthcare providers may also discuss advance care planning and future care preferences.
Clinical Trials and Emerging Treatments
Researchers continue to study medications and non-drug treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Current research includes approaches targeting amyloid, tau, inflammation, metabolism, sleep, physical activity, cognitive training, and other biological or behavioral pathways.
The National Institute on Aging currently supports hundreds of active Alzheimer’s and related dementia studies involving drug development, non-drug interventions, caregiving, diagnostic tools, and treatments for neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Clinical trials may provide access to investigational treatments that are not yet widely available. Anyone considering a clinical trial should discuss eligibility, potential benefits, risks, and alternatives with a healthcare professional.
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