Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to spotlight a condition affecting more than 7 million Americans. Alzheimer's disease is progressive and currently has no cure—but recognizing symptoms early can help patients access treatment, plan ahead, and improve quality of life.
What Is the Difference Between Normal Aging and Alzheimer’s?
Occasional forgetfulness—like misplacing keys or forgetting a name—is a normal part of aging. Alzheimer’s disease goes beyond this, causing persistent memory loss and cognitive decline that interfere with daily life, independence, and relationships.
What Are the Most Common Early Signs of Alzheimer’s?
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life The most common early symptom is forgetting recently learned information, such as names, dates, or conversations, and repeatedly asking for the same details.
2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems Early Alzheimer’s can make it harder to follow steps, manage finances, or complete familiar tasks like cooking or paying bills.
3. Confusion With Time or Place People may lose track of dates, seasons, or how they arrived somewhere, beyond occasional disorientation.
4. Trouble With Words and Communication Common signs include:
- Stopping mid-conversation
- Repeating statements
- Struggling to find the right word
5. Misplacing Items in Unusual Places Items may be placed in inappropriate locations—like putting a phone in the refrigerator—and the person may be unable to retrace their steps.
6. Poor Judgment or Decision-Making This may include:
- Falling for scams
- Giving away large sums of money
- Neglecting personal hygiene
7. Withdrawal From Social or Work Activities People may begin avoiding hobbies, social interactions, or work tasks due to cognitive difficulty.
8. Changes in Mood or Personality Increased anxiety, depression, suspicion, fearfulness, or irritability can appear early in the disease.
9. Vision and Spatial Difficulties Some individuals experience trouble reading, judging distances, or recognizing objects—symptoms often mistaken for vision problems.
What Medications Are Used to Treat Alzheimer’s Disease?
While no treatment cures Alzheimer’s, several medications help manage symptoms:
Cholinesterase Inhibitors (Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s)
These medications support communication between nerve cells and may temporarily improve memory and thinking.
NMDA Receptor Antagonist (Moderate to Severe Alzheimer’s)
This medication helps regulate glutamate activity to support cognitive function.
Are There New Treatments That Slow Alzheimer’s Progression?
Newer therapies target the underlying biology of the disease:
- Lecanemab
- Donanemab
These monoclonal antibodies help remove amyloid plaques from the brain and may slow disease progression in early-stage Alzheimer’s. However:
- They require confirmed amyloid pathology
- Are given via IV infusion
- Carry risks such as brain swelling or bleeding (ARIA)
- May not be appropriate for all patients
How Is Alzheimer’s Diagnosed?
There is no single test for Alzheimer’s, but diagnosis may include:
- Cognitive and memory assessments
- Brain imaging (MRI or PET scans)
- Blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker testing
Early diagnosis helps guide treatment decisions and long-term planning.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice persistent memory loss or several of these symptoms, especially those interfering with daily life, it’s important to seek medical evaluation promptly.
How Can Families Manage the Cost of Alzheimer’s Medications?
The RxLess® Assurance Plan helps patients compare real-time prescription prices and access free digital coupons at pharmacies nationwide. While newer Alzheimer’s treatments can be expensive, many commonly prescribed medications—like donepezil or memantine—are available as generics, where savings may be significant.
