Alzheimer's Treatment Options: Simple Guide

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the first question is usually “what can I do?” The good news is there are several FDA‑approved medicines and many everyday habits that can slow symptoms and improve daily life. Below we break down the most common drug choices and practical steps you can start today.

Approved Medications You Can Ask Your Doctor About

The three drugs most doctors prescribe first are donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine. They belong to a class called cholinesterase inhibitors, which help boost the brain chemical acetylcholine that supports memory. Most patients notice modest improvements in thinking or daily tasks for six months to a year.

If symptoms keep getting worse despite those drugs, doctors may add memantine (Namenda). Memantine works differently by protecting nerve cells from excess glutamate, another brain chemical that can be harmful when levels are high. Some people feel clearer and more stable on the combination of a cholinesterase inhibitor plus memantine.

All these medicines have side effects—like stomach upset, nausea, or dizziness—but they’re usually mild. Your doctor will start with a low dose and increase it slowly to keep problems down. Never stop a drug without checking your prescriber; sudden changes can make symptoms flare up.

Lifestyle Changes That Help Memory

Medicine is only part of the picture. Simple daily habits can add extra mileage to any treatment plan. Regular exercise—just 30 minutes of walking, dancing, or gardening most days—has been shown to keep brain cells healthier and improve mood.

A diet rich in leafy greens, berries, fish, nuts, and olive oil (think Mediterranean style) provides antioxidants that protect the brain. Try swapping a sugary snack for a handful of walnuts or adding salmon to your dinner twice a week.

Staying socially active matters too. Chatting with friends, joining a hobby group, or even volunteering can boost cognition. The key is to keep your mind challenged: puzzles, reading, learning a new skill—any activity that forces you to think.

Sleep shouldn’t be ignored. Poor sleep makes memory problems worse. Aim for 7‑8 hours of uninterrupted rest and consider a bedtime routine that avoids screens an hour before bed.

Lastly, keep track of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Managing these health numbers reduces the risk of vascular damage that can worsen Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Putting it all together: talk to your doctor about which medication fits your stage, start low and go slow with doses, add daily movement, eat brain‑friendly foods, stay social, and protect your sleep. These steps create a solid foundation that helps you or your loved one live more comfortably while dealing with Alzheimer’s.