Treating Alzheimer’s Symptoms

Given the complex nature of the condition, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment to cure Alzheimer’s disease (AD).^1,2 Rather, Alzheimer’s treatment should be individualized based on each person’s symptoms, response to the treatment, and associated side effects.^1,3 While there is no cure, the overall goals of treatment involve treating the underlying disease process, helping people preserve their mental capacity for longer, and managing behavioral symptoms.⁴

Just as with early detection and diagnosis of AD, starting treatment as early as possible can help improve quality of life and preserve daily functioning.^2,5 Available pharmacologic treatments include interventions that can either temporarily treat symptoms of AD related to memory or thinking, or those that treat the underlying cause of disease.^6,7

Non-pharmacologic interventions do not change the underlying disease course; however, these interventions are often implemented to help maintain or improve cognitive function as well as reduce behavioral symptoms.⁸ Such intervention can include cognitive stimulation, music-based therapy, psychological treatment (ie, cognitive behavioral therapy), physical therapy/exercise, and a healthy diet.⁸^,9

Medications That Treat Alzheimer's Symptoms

Prescription cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine) and memantine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, are among the first drugs prescribed to people with AD.³ These drugs work by affecting neurotransmitters, special chemicals responsible for communication between nerve cells in the brain.^1,11 By improving nerve cell communication, these drugs can help preserve mental function.¹¹ However, they don’t work for everyone and since they don’t address the underlying disease process, they may only help for a limited amount of time.^6,11

Medications Targeting Alzheimer's Disease Progression

Another group of treatments for AD is monoclonal antibodies.¹² These medications are designed to target the underlying disease process by reducing amyloid buildup in the brain, a key hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Several monoclonal antibodies have received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat adults with early symptomatic AD, which includes mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The first monoclonal antibody to receive FDA approval was aducanumab, which was later discontinued by the manufacturer in 2024. Currently, FDA-approved agents include lecanemab and donanemab. Monoclonal antibody treatments are not appropriate for everyone.^13,14 Decisions about their use depend on disease stage, diagnostic test results, potential risks, and individual patient factors. Patients should discuss treatment options with their healthcare team to determine what may be appropriate for them.

Caring for people with AD is a team effort.^15-17 Caregivers and medical providers work together to find the best treatment options and develop care plans as Alzheimer’s disease progresses.^17,18 Often caregivers will coordinate with their medical care team, which often includes doctors, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and supportive care. This can also include elder law attorneys and geriatric care managers. Using a multidisciplinary approach to care can help both caregivers and patients achieve the best quality of life and health outcomes.

References

Behl T, Kaur I, Sehgal A, et al. The road to precision medicine: Eliminating the “One Size Fits All” approach in Alzheimer’s disease. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022;153:113337.
National Institute on Aging (NIA). Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
Alzheimer’s Association^®. Medications for memory, cognition and dementia-related behaviors. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/medications-for-memory
Alzheimer’s Association^®. Management. https://www.alz.org/professionals/health-systems-medical-professionals/management
Alzheimer’s Association^®. Early detection and diagnosis. https://www.alz.org/professionals/public-health/public-health-topics/early-detection-and-diagnosis
Alzheimer’s Association^®. Treatments and research. https://www.alz.org/help-support/i-have-alz/treatments-research
National Institute on Aging (NIA). How is Alzheimer’s Disease Treated. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-alzheimers-disease-treated
2023 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimers Dement. 2023;19:1598-1695.
Kumar A, Sidhu J, Lui F, et al. Alzheimer Disease. StatPearls. Last update: February 12, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499922/
Behera S. Cognitive behavior therapy: Introduction, methodology and benefits of CBT. January 9, 2014. https://www.online-therapy.com/blog/cognitive-behavior-therapy-introduction-methodology-benefits-cbt/
Press, D, Buss SS. Treatment of Alzheimer Disease. UpToDate. Last update: January 6, 2026. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-alzheimer-disease
Cummings JL. Maximizing the benefit and managing the risk of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody therapy for Alzheimer’s disease: Strategies and research directions. Neurotherapeutics. 2025;22:e00570.
Cummings J, Apostolova L, Rabinovici GD, et al. Lecanemab: Appropriate use recommendations. J Prev Alzheimers Dis. 2023;10:362-377.
Rabinovici GD, Selkoe DJ, Schindler SE, et al. Donanemab: Appropriate use recommendations. J Prev Alzheimers Dis. 2025;12:100150.
Jurkowski CL. A multidisciplinary approach to Alzheimer’s disease: Who should be members of the team? Am J Med. 1998;104(suppl 1);13S-16S.
Alzheimer’s Association^®. Building a care team. Alzheimer’s Association website. https://www.alz.org/help-support/i-have-alz/plan-for-your-future/building_a_care_team
Alzheimer’s Association^®. Caregiving. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving
Alzheimer’s Association^®. Working with care providers. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/care-options/working-with-care-providers