The future of Alzheimer’s care: New treatments bringing new hope

Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia that causes cognitive decline, impacts millions of Americans each year. Despite this, treatment options have traditionally been limited, Although there is no cure yet, I’ve seen the field of Alzheimer’s disease research make significant strides in recent years. This is bringing hope to many people and their families, including Luke Davis, a Baylor Scott & White patient who recently shared his story.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you have more options than ever before. Here’s what to know about the latest treatments and what’s on the horizon in Alzheimer’s care.

Alzheimer’s drugs bringing new hope

One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of two groundbreaking treatments that target the amyloid protein, a key culprit in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. These treatments, Donanemab and Lecanemab, were recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and represent a new chapter in our ability to treat early Alzheimer’s.

We’ve never had these types of treatments before. Both drugs work by reducing the amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, which has long been associated with Alzheimer’s. Administered as intravenous (IV) infusions, these treatments have proven to be effective in slowing the disease in its early stages.

While they are not cures, they offer a meaningful option for people with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer’s. However, like all treatments, they come with potential risks, including brain swelling and small microhemorrhages. Before starting treatment, it’s important to make sure you understand the risks and benefits, as they vary per person.

With Alzheimer’s, early detection is key

Like many health conditions, early detection is key in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Many people believe that memory loss is a normal part of aging, but when memory issues start to affect daily activities, it’s time to seek medical advice.

These new treatments are only approved for the early stages of Alzheimer’s, so the sooner we can diagnose, the sooner we can help slow its progression.

If you or a loved one is noticing changes in memory or cognitive function, I encourage you to reach out to your primary care provider to discuss an evaluation. This could lead to a referral to a specialist and, in some cases, the use of diagnostic tools like positron emission tomography (PET) scans or lumbar punctures to confirm the presence of amyloid in the brain.

In the near future, we’re looking forward to using blood tests to diagnose Alzheimer’s and make early detection even more accessible. But even now, the research is evolving at an incredible pace, with many clinical trials aimed at discovering how we might one day stop or even cure the disease.

Lifestyle changes to support brain health and Alzheimer’s treatment

It’s also important to remember that healthy lifestyle choices play a role in maintaining brain health as we age. Strong cardiovascular health, regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet—like the Mediterranean or MIND diet—can keep your brain healthy and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Keeping an eye on conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol is crucial since these can impact blood flow to the brain.

Overall, this is a hopeful time in Alzheimer’s research. We’re making real progress, and while we’re not there yet, we’re closer than ever to finding better ways to manage and possibly prevent this devastating disease. If you’re worried about memory loss in yourself or a loved one, please don’t wait—early intervention is key.

Concerned about memory loss? Book an appointment with your primary care provider today.