Alzheimer's Treatment

How is Alzheimer's Diagnosed?

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease requires a comprehensive clinical evaluation rather than a single test to confirm it. When a patient presents with a complaint of short-term memory loss, doctors review the patient's medical symptoms, their medical history, cognitive responses, and neurological and physical test results to determine the onset of Alzheimer's.

Doctors can order blood tests and brain imaging such as MRI or CT to further confirm the disease or rule out other conditions. In recent years, amyloid and phosphorylated tau biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid are used to validate the presence of Alzheimer’s-related pathology. Another promising marker is the neurofilament light (NfL), generally found in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. An increased level of NfL confirms the presence of symptoms.

How is Alzheimer's Treated Based on Severity?

As Alzheimer’s progresses, its treatment approach evolves. This requires adjustments to the treatment plan involving combinations of therapies based on disease severity, symptoms, and individual patient needs. The table below provides a clear outline of the recommended treatment approach based on the severity of Alzheimer's:

Types of Alzheimer's and Their Treatment

Clinicians divide Alzheimer's disease types based on the onset, genetic cause, and its clinical presentation. Treatment, however, is not different or separate for each type. The table below lays out the different types and their recommended treatment.

Other Treatments for Alzheimer's

Apart from oral medications and transdermal patches to address the root cause of Alzheimer's, doctors can prescribe non-drug therapies, intravenous (IV) infusions, palliative care, and rehabilitation to manage it. Anti-amyloid therapies are administered as IV infusions, typically for those with early-stage to mild Alzheimer's.

• Non-drug therapies such as solving puzzles, reading, and exercise are utilised to address psychological and behavioural symptoms such as wandering, agitation, depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and hallucinations to improve quality of life.

• Palliative care helps manage pain, difficulty swallowing, and other complications to support the patient and caregivers. In severe to end stages of the condition, hospice or end-of-life care focuses primarily on the patient's dignity, comfort, and emotional and spiritual support.

Oral Medications for Alzheimer’s Treatment

Oral medicines comprise the main form of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Doctors prescribe the medicines based on the patient's stage of disease:

• Donepezil, Rivastigmine (including a skin patch), Galantamine: These cholinesterase inhibitors are prescribed to those with the mild stage of the disease to stabilise memory and thinking.

• Memantine: This medicine belongs to a class of medications called N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, which block the excess activity of glutamate, a chemical messenger in the brain. This is prescribed for the moderate to severe stage of the disease.

These medications are prescribed as a combination throughout the different stages of Alzheimer's, based on the response and severity of the disease in the patient.

Note: These medications must be taken only if prescribed by a specialist or your treating doctor. Medications must not be consumed to improve memory or by anyone for forgetfulness.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Alzheimer’s

Certain patients may consider complementary treatments for treating this disease. These approaches, alongside conventional treatments, may aid in a better quality of life and help alleviate symptoms, but should not be considered as the sole treatment for Alzheimer's.

• Ayurvedic treatments: Herbs such as ashwagandha, turmeric/curcumin, Ginkgo biloba, and Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi), a water hyssop plant, have been studied for treating Alzheimer's.

• Acupuncture: Preclinical research and clinical trials reveal that acupuncture, when combined with conventional treatments, slows cognitive decline and also improves memory retention.

• Meditation & relaxation: These techniques may help relieve symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. Meditation could benefit people with insomnia.

• Yoga: Yoga is popularly known to support physical activity, mood and stress reduction, balance, and sleep.

Home Care for Managing Alzheimer's Treatment

Home care measures are vital in managing Alzheimer's disease as it affects memory, balance, mobility, daily tasks, and communication. The main goal is to sustain the patient's independence, provide comfort and dignity, and support the caregiver.

• Establish a routine for waking, meal times, bathing, and bedtime.

• Make the home safe by improving lighting, removing hazards, and securing medicines.

• Encourage physical activity such as walking, gardening, and stretching.

• Set aside time for mentally and socially stimulating activities such as listening to music, viewing photographs, and reading.

• Manage behavioural changes calmly by providing reassurance and identifying possible triggers.

Latest Treatment for Alzheimer's in India

A major development in the treatment of Alzheimer's in India is the launch of an anti-amyloid drug, lecanemab (Leqembi). The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has authorised the marketing of this medication. This medicine was developed to slow disease progression. Its benefits are modest and best suited to selected patients in the early stages of the disease. Patients consuming this medication must be closely monitored with brain imaging scans.

How Long Does Alzheimer's Treatment Take?

Since Alzheimer's is a chronic condition that progresses for the rest of a patient's life, the duration of treatment relies on the disease stage, medications prescribed, the patient's response, side effects, and overall health.

It is important to note that the oral medications and infusions taken during the different stages of the condition may be continued as the disease progresses. Newer medications may be added based on the patient's response and tolerance to medicines.

These medications are generally continued lifelong.

Side Effects of Alzheimer's Treatment

Medications used to manage symptoms of Alzheimer's can cause side effects such as:

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Constipation

• Sleep disturbances

Patients on the newer disease-modifying lecanemab must be carefully monitored since it can cause brain swelling or bleeding.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Alzheimer's Treatment

Alzheimer's condition can be better managed when patients and caregivers include healthy habits in their daily routine.

• Follow a healthy, balanced diet with vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, and fish.

• Keep the mind active by reading, doing memory activities, solving puzzles, listening to music, and pursuing hobbies.

• Maintain consistent sleep and wake times.

• Encourage regular interaction with family and friends, and community groups to reduce isolation.

• Keep high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels appropriately controlled.

• Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption, especially while taking medications.

Factors That Can Worsen Alzheimer's Treatment

Watch out for factors that can make Alzheimer's disease management more difficult.

• Dehydration and poor nutrition

• Lack of physical activity

• Insufficient or disrupted sleep

• Reduced social interaction

• Stress and anxiety

• Changes in environment and excessive noise

• Poor medication adherence

• Other medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure

Alzheimer's Treatment Cost

Alzheimer's disease is considered a critical illness as it is demanding, life-threatening, and requires expensive and long-term medical treatment. The cost of Alzheimer's treatment in India can vary depending on the stage of disease, medicines prescribed, diagnostic tests, and follow-up.

Conventional Alzheimer's medicines such as donepezil and memantine, which are taken long-term, are considerably less expensive in comparison to the newer therapies. As of 2026, a newly launched disease-modifying treatment, donanemab (Lormalzi), costs about ₹91,688 per 350-mg vial. The medication alone could cost ₹16 lakh over an 18-month course.

Disclaimer: Treatment costs vary based on a patient's individual needs, investigations required, and the extent of dependency on a caregiver. The above information is a rough estimate of possible costs incurred.

Does Health Insurance Cover Alzheimer's Treatment in India?

Yes, health insurance policies in India may cover certain medical expenses related to Alzheimer's disease, depending on the policy terms and conditions. A mediclaim policy may cover diagnostic tests, such as MRI and CT scans, cognitive assessments, doctor's consultation fees, and prescribed medicines if they are part of an eligible hospitalisation.

Some policies may also cover pre and post-hospitalisation expenses for a specified period. However, coverage for Alzheimer's treatment may differ across insurers and plans. Long-term care, routine consultations, and ongoing medication expenses may not be covered unless specifically included in the policy.

Note: Coverage, exclusions, and waiting periods vary between policies. So, it is advisable to check the policy documents carefully and confirm the available benefits with the insurer before purchasing a plan.