Alzheimer’s Treatment: Available Medications and Rehabilitation Programs

Published at 31 December 2025

Alzheimer’s disease is challenging not only for the patient but also for those around them. Although there is currently no cure, there are options to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for as long as possible.(1)

Alzheimer’s Medications

In general, medications help relieve symptoms of Alzheimer’s, such as improving memory and thinking, for a period of time. They are not a cure.

There are three main types of these medications,including:(2)(3)

Cholinesterase Inhibitors: These are the most common Alzheimer’s medications. They increase levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain, which may help improve memory and thinking. Examples include:
Donepezil (Aricept®)
Rivastigmine (Exelon®)
Galantamine (Reminyl®)

Memantine (Namenda): Used in advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, it reduces levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the brain.
New Medications: Recently, two new Alzheimer’s drugs have been approved for patients in early stages: Leqembi® and Aduhelm®. These differ from older medications because they may not only relieve symptoms but also help slow disease progression by removing amyloid plaques, harmful deposits that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and impair neuron function. (Their effectiveness is still under study.)
Other Medications:
Doctors may prescribe other medications to treat additional symptoms of Alzheimer’s, such as anxiety or agitation,depression, or sleep disorders. These may include sedatives, antidepressants, or sleep aids.

Cognitive Enhancement Programs

In addition to medications, mental and psychological programs play an important role in maintaining cognitive abilities for as long as possible. Key programs include:(4)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Particularly helpful in early stages, helps manage depression and anxiety.
Mental Stimulation: Sessions designed to keep the patient’s mind active through various activities and exercises.
Cognitive Rehabilitation: A training program to strengthen thinking skills and teach coping techniques.
Speech Therapy: Counseling sessions that help patients accept their diagnosis and express emotions more effectively.
Memory Therapy: Assists patients in recalling past memories through photos, keepsakes, and meaningful objects.
Daily Journaling: Encourages patients to record their experiences and memories, helping maintain their sense of identity and enabling family members to provide care aligned with the patient’s preferences.

Caring for Alzheimer’s Patients

Creating a supportive environment that encourages independence is essential. This includes establishing a daily routine and reducing tasks that require high cognitive effort. Tips include:(5)

Designate fixed places for keys, wallet, phone, and personal items to avoid loss.
Store medications safely and establish clear times for taking them.
Provide a mobile phone with location tracking for emergencies.
Hang a calendar or whiteboard to help remember appointments and daily tasks.
Ensure a safe home environment by removing excess furniture and installing railings in stairs and bathrooms.
Reduce the number of mirrors and unnecessary decorations that may cause confusion.
Add meaningful personal touches, like photos and keepsakes.
Use a medical ID bracelet or card with contact information in case the patient gets lost.
Offer psychological support and daily communication for reassurance.
Adapt care to the individual patient’s needs.
Remember to ask for help when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.

Healthy Lifestyle

Managing Alzheimer’s also involves lifestyle practices:(4)

Follow a healthy, balanced diet.
Get sufficient sleep.
Exercise regularly to support cognitive function.
Maintain social interactions with family and friends.
Engage in enjoyable, purposeful activities, such as reading or hobbies.
Attend regular medical check-ups.

Promising Treatments

Although there is no cure, there are encouraging scientific developments. Over 120 drugs are currently being studied to target the root causes of Alzheimer’s, not just the symptoms. These studies are complex and time-consuming but offer hope, as researchers test their potential to slow disease progression and improve memory.(1)

At Al-Ahli Hospital, patients have access to a comprehensive Alzheimer’s treatment journey, from medications to rehabilitation programs and continuous psychological support. For any inquiries, the Department of Neurology is always ready to assist.

References