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Alzheimer's Treatments: What Options Exist Today and How They Are Combined

Oct. 21, 2026 · 4 min ·

Alzheimer's Treatments: What Options Exist Today and How They Are Combined

When a relative receives an Alzheimer's diagnosis, the first question is usually "and now what can be done?". It is worth being clear from the start: today there is no treatment that cures Alzheimer's. But that does not mean nothing can be done. Current treatment aims to slow the progression as far as possible, to maintain functions and autonomy for longer and to look after the quality of life of the person and their family. In this article we explain what options exist, what each one is for and how they are combined according to the phase of the disease.

Is There a Cure for Alzheimer's?

No, as of today it cannot be cured. What is possible is to act on the disease with several realistic goals: to slow its progression in certain cases, support cognitive functions, treat symptoms that affect daily life (such as sleep or mood) and accompany the family. Framing treatment with these goals, rather than with the expectation of a cure, helps you make decisions more calmly and realistically.

Medication for Alzheimer's

Medications are always prescribed and adjusted by the neurologist, according to the phase and the situation of each person. Here we describe them for information only, without doses.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Donepezil and Rivastigmine

These are drugs that act on a neurotransmitter involved in memory and attention. They are usually used in mild and moderate phases and aim to maintain cognitive functions for longer. They do not stop the disease, but they can help sustain day-to-day performance in many patients.

Memantine

It acts through a different mechanism and is used mainly in moderate and advanced phases, sometimes combined with the above. Its goal is also functional: to help maintain abilities and manage certain symptoms.

New Drugs: Lecanemab and Donanemab

These are a new type of treatment (antibodies directed against the amyloid plaques in the brain) that, unlike the previous ones, intervene in the mechanism of the disease and can slow its progression in very early phases. They have been authorised in the European Union, but their use is surrounded by important conditions: they are indicated only in early phases, require careful patient selection and close monitoring (including imaging checks for possible adverse effects), and are administered through controlled-access programmes. In Spain their availability is still limited. If they interest you, the starting point is an assessment by the neurologist, who is the one who can explain whether they make sense in each specific case.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments

Treating Alzheimer's is not just medication. Non-pharmacological measures are an essential part of the plan.

Cognitive Stimulation

Cognitive stimulation consists of exercises and activities aimed at keeping memory, attention, language and other functions active. It is a pillar of the non-pharmacological approach. You can read in detail what it involves and who it is for in our article on cognitive stimulation.

Physical Activity, Sleep and Social Life

Adapted physical exercise, quality sleep and maintaining social life and routines have a real role in wellbeing and in managing symptoms. They do not replace medical treatment, but they accompany it and add to it.

Support for the Family

Alzheimer's also affects those who provide care. Information, support and the organisation of care are part of the treatment, because a sustainable environment directly benefits the person with the disease.

Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) as a Complementary Treatment

TPS (transcranial pulse stimulation) is a non-invasive technique, authorised as a complementary treatment for Alzheimer's disease, that applies acoustic pulses to certain areas of the brain. It is not an alternative to medication and does not replace it: it is proposed as a complement within a broader plan, in early and moderate phases, with a prior assessment and monitoring of progress.

At the clinic we carry out TPS stimulation for Alzheimer's with STORZ MEDICAL technology, always integrated into neurological follow-up. You can learn about our approach in the neurology section.

How Treatment Is Combined According to the Phase

There is no single treatment: the usual approach is to combine several tools and adapt them as the disease progresses. In early phases, early detection, cognitive stimulation and, in selected cases, treatments that act on the mechanism of the disease carry more weight. In more advanced phases, the focus shifts towards maintaining comfort, managing symptoms and supporting the family. Understanding which phase the person is in helps to adjust the plan; we explain it in our article on the stages of Alzheimer's.

When to See a Neurologist

Consult if the first symptoms appear or intensify (forgetfulness that interferes with daily life, disorientation, difficulties with language or changes in behaviour). The sooner it is assessed, the more treatment options there are; you can see which signs are worth watching in our article on how to detect Alzheimer's in time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can medication be combined with TPS? TPS is proposed as a complement within neurological follow-up, not as a substitute for medication. Whether the combination makes sense in a specific case is decided by the neurologist after assessing the person.

When should treatment be started? As soon as possible after diagnosis. Early detection is important because some options make more sense in early phases. That is why it is advisable not to underestimate the first symptoms.

Do natural treatments work for Alzheimer's? There is no natural product that cures or stops the disease. Healthy habits such as exercise, good rest and social life help general wellbeing, but they do not replace medical treatment. Be wary of any product that promises a cure.

Book Your Consultation

If you or a relative have an Alzheimer's diagnosis or symptoms that concern you, a neurological assessment is the first step to proposing a realistic and personalised plan.