Alzheimer's Disease

Treatment

Mayo Clinic doctors who have training in nervous system conditions (neurologists) and other specialties care for people who have Alzheimer's disease and other conditions that cause impaired memory and thinking skills (cognitive impairment) and dementia.

Alzheimer's disease can't be cured, but your treatment team will help you manage your condition. Your treatment team will work with you to develop a treatment program tailored to your individual needs.

Your treatment may include:

• Medications. Some medications may treat your Alzheimer's disease symptoms. These medications help regulate chemicals between your nerve cells (neurons) in your brain (neurotransmitters). Medications may help you maintain your thinking skills (cognitive skills) and improve your behavioral problems, but medications may help manage your symptoms for only a few months to a few years.
• Investigative treatments. Mayo Clinic researchers conduct research and trials studying new drugs, supplements and other treatments that may relieve Alzheimer's disease symptoms, slow the disease's progress or prevent its onset. You may have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials in the Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC).

Follow-up

Your doctor and other team members will educate you and your family about Alzheimer's disease. Your doctor will work with your primary doctor to coordinate your follow-up care. You and your family may benefit from participating in facilitated Alzheimer's disease support groups.