Hope on the Horizon

New Treatments for Alzheimer's and Other Types of Dementia

Caring for someone with memory loss can feel like you’re always asking, “Is there anything new that might help?” The good news is—yes, there actually is.

After years of slow progress, we’re finally seeing exciting developments in dementia treatment. A few medications have been approved that aim to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s (not just treat the symptoms), and research is picking up speed in other types of dementia too.

If your loved one is in the early stages—or if you’re just starting to navigate a diagnosis—this is a good time to check in on the latest options. Below is a nurse-friendly breakdown of what’s out there, what it costs, and what to expect along the way.

New Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease

Let’s start with Alzheimer’s, since this is where the most progress has happened recently.

Leqembi (lecanemab)

FDA-approved in 2023

Leqembi is an IV medication given every two weeks that helps the brain clear out amyloid plaques—those sticky proteins that build up in Alzheimer’s disease. It’s meant for people in the very early stages of memory loss.

What it may do:
 It won’t reverse the disease, but it may slow down how fast symptoms progress. That means potentially more good time with your loved ones.

Cost:
 About $26,500 per year, plus additional costs for MRI scans and infusion visits.
 Medicare covers it for eligible patients, though co-pays and related fees can still be significant.

Side Effects:

• Brain swelling or small brain bleeds (called ARIA), which requires regular MRIs to monitor

• Headaches, dizziness 


• Some people (especially those with a gene called APOE4) may be at higher risk



Nursing Note:
 This medication needs a lot of follow-up and monitoring, so it’s best for people who are early in the disease and able to manage the logistics of ongoing care.

Aduhelm (aducanumab)

FDA-approved in 2021 (accelerated)

Aduhelm was the first drug to try this approach, but its results were mixed—and it’s no longer widely used outside of research settings.

What it may do:
 It also targets amyloid plaques, but the benefits aren’t as clear as with newer treatments.

Cost:
 Originally $56,000/year, now closer to $28,000
 Medicare only covers it within clinical trials, so it’s hard to access.

Side Effects:

• Brain swelling or bleeding

• Nausea, dizziness

• Infusion-related symptoms



Nursing Note:
 Aduhelm helped open the door for this new class of medications, but at this point, most people are being directed toward other options.

Donanemab

Still under FDA review (expected late 2024 or early 2025)

This one’s not approved yet, but it’s looking promising. Like Leqembi, it clears amyloid from the brain. One nice potential difference? You may only need it for a set period of time—not forever.

What it may do:
 Slows down progression in early Alzheimer’s. May become a preferred option if the FDA gives it the green light.

Cost:
 Likely around $25,000–$30,000/year. Medicare coverage expected if approved.

Side Effects:

• Brain swelling or bleeding (ARIA), particularly early in treatment



• Headaches, dizziness

• Higher risks for APOE4 carriers



Nursing Note:
Keep an eye on this one. If it’s approved, it could offer more flexibility than current options, especially for families looking for a time-limited treatment plan.

What About Other Types of Dementia?

Not all dementia is Alzheimer’s. Here’s a look at what’s new—or being studied—for other types, like Frontotemporal and Lewy Body dementia.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

This type often affects behavior, judgment, or language rather than memory at first. It tends to appear earlier in life, too.

What’s in development:

• Tarinapant (early trials): May help reduce nerve cell death 🔬



• Gene-targeted therapies (like ASOs) for inherited forms of FTD 🧬



• Behavioral medications: Things like SSRIs or mood stabilizers are often used to help with disinhibition, apathy, or aggression



Cost:

• Clinical trials are usually free 🎗️



• Medications like SSRIs or mood stabilizers: $10–$100/month with insurance



Side Effects:

• Still being studied for experimental drugs



• Behavioral meds may cause drowsiness, weight changes, or emotional flattening

Nursing Note:
While we’re still waiting on a breakthrough medication, behavioral strategies and family education go a long way in improving quality of life.

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)

This one is a bit trickier—it causes memory changes, movement issues (like Parkinson’s), and often visual hallucinations.

Treatment Options:

• Pimavanserin (Nuplazid): Approved for hallucinations in Parkinson’s, now used in LBD

• Rivastigmine (Exelon) patch: May help with thinking and memory


• Neflamapimod (in trials): Targets inflammation in LBD

Cost:

• Pimavanserin: $2,000–$3,000/month (often covered with prior authorization)



• Rivastigmine: $100–$300/month for generic versions



• Clinical trials: Free 🎗️



Side Effects:

• Pimavanserin: Swelling, confusion, possible heart rhythm changes 💓



• Rivastigmine: Nausea, dizziness, appetite loss 🤢



Nursing Note:
 LBD patients are often sensitive to standard antipsychotics, so be cautious when treating hallucinations. Pimavanserin may be a gentler option.

So…What Should You Do?

If someone you love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, it can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to figure it all out at once.

Here are a few first steps to consider:

• See a memory specialist if you haven’t already

• Ask about imaging or biomarker testing to confirm what kind of dementia you’re dealing with

• Talk with a nurse or care coordinator about what treatments your loved one might qualify for


• Explore clinical trials—they’re often free and give access to cutting-edge options

Keep conversations open as a family. What’s most important—more time, comfort, independence?

Final Nursing Note

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is hope—and more options than ever before. Whether you’re just noticing signs or deep into caregiving, you’re not alone in this journey.

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Together... we've got this!