Disease-Modifying Treatments
Disease-Modifying Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease
Disease-modifying treatments are a newer category of Alzheimer’s medication. Unlike medications that treat symptoms — such as those used for memory, mood, or sleep — disease-modifying treatments are intended to slow the progression of the underlying disease process.
They do not restore memory that has already been lost, and they do not cure Alzheimer’s disease. The goal is to slow decline, which may give people more time with their current abilities.
Available now
What treatments are available now?
These are the disease-modifying treatments currently FDA-approved for Alzheimer’s disease. They target the underlying biology of the disease, not just symptoms.
Leqembi
(lecanemab)- Targets
- Amyloid-beta plaques
- Approved for
- Early Alzheimer’s disease — mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage — with confirmed amyloid pathology
- How it’s given
- IV infusion every 2 weeks, or subcutaneous injection (Leqembi IQLIK) once weekly for the starting regimen
- Frequency
- IV: 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks (starting regimen), or 10 mg/kg every 4 weeks after 18 months (maintenance). Subcutaneous (IQLIK): 500 mg weekly (starting regimen), or 360 mg weekly after 18 months (maintenance). Patients may also continue the starting regimen as directed by their treating clinician.
- Monitoring
- Baseline MRI, then MRI at specific intervals during treatment. See the current prescribing information for the exact schedule.
Kisunla
(donanemab)- Targets
- Amyloid-beta plaques
- Approved for
- Early Alzheimer’s disease — mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage — with confirmed amyloid pathology
- How it’s given
- IV infusion every 4 weeks
- Frequency
- Every 4 weeks.
- Monitoring
- Baseline MRI, then MRI at specific intervals during treatment. See the current prescribing information for the exact schedule.
Eligibility pathway
What does it take to qualify?
This is the general pathway from initial concerns to starting treatment. It’s not a checklist — it’s a picture of the process.
- 1
Memory/thinking concerns
You, a family member, or your clinician notices changes in memory, thinking, or daily function.
- 2
Clinical evaluation
Cognitive testing, medical history, and discussion with a clinician to understand what’s happening.
- 3
Determine stage of disease
Establish whether symptoms are at the mild cognitive impairment or early dementia stage. These treatments are approved for early-stage disease.
- 4
Confirm Alzheimer’s amyloid pathology
Amyloid PET scan or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing to confirm Alzheimer’s biology — not just symptoms.
- 5
Review MRI and medical history
Brain MRI to check for existing microbleeds, prior strokes, or other findings that affect treatment safety.
- 6
Discuss APOE testing and ARIA risk
APOE genetic testing to assess individual risk of ARIA (brain swelling or bleeding). Counseling accompanies testing.
- 7
Insurance / prior authorization
Your treatment team works with your insurance to confirm coverage. Prior authorization may be required.
- 8
Treatment decision
You and your clinician discuss the risk-benefit balance and decide whether to start treatment, and which medication.
- 9
Treatment + MRI monitoring
Treatment begins with regular infusions or injections, paired with ongoing MRI monitoring for ARIA.
Individual eligibility is determined by the treating clinician. Medication-specific criteria differ, and prescribing information can change. This pathway is a general overview, not a checklist of requirements.
Getting started
How do I get prescribed one of these treatments?
Anti-amyloid therapies are typically evaluated and managed by specialists with experience in Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment. Not every clinician who diagnoses Alzheimer’s disease offers these therapies — you may need a referral.
Who typically evaluates patients
Memory clinics, Alzheimer’s disease treatment centers, neurology practices specializing in cognitive disorders, and geriatric psychiatry programs. The evaluating clinician is often a neurologist, geriatric psychiatrist, or other specialist experienced in Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment.
What to have available
Cognitive testing results, brain imaging (MRI and/or PET scan), amyloid biomarker results if available, medical history and current medication list, insurance information, and a list of questions you want to ask.
Find treatment resources
We are building this resource directory. Check back for curated, vetted resources for locating treatment programs near you.
Memory clinics & Alzheimer’s treatment centers
Programs that specialize in evaluating and treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Infusion centers
Facilities where IV infusion treatments are administered.
Specialist directories
Directories to help find neurologists, geriatric psychiatrists, and other appropriate specialists.
Patient support programs
Manufacturer-sponsored support programs that may help with insurance, access, and treatment logistics.
Going deeper
Common questions, answered
Tap any section to expand it.
Bring to your appointment
Questions to ask your doctor
Print or save this list to bring to your next appointment.
- Am I at the right stage of Alzheimer’s disease for treatment?
- Has Alzheimer’s pathology (amyloid) been confirmed in my case?
- Do I need APOE genetic testing? What would the results mean for me?
- What does my baseline MRI show?
- What is my individual ARIA risk?
- Which treatment makes sense to discuss for my situation?
- Where would I receive treatment, and how often?
- What MRI monitoring schedule would I need?
- What will my insurance cover, and what will my out-of-pocket costs be?
What’s next
Interested in treatments still being studied?
The treatments above are FDA-approved and available now. Researchers are also studying many other approaches — targeting tau, inflammation, the brain’s cleaning system, and more. Explore the research pipeline to see what’s in development.
Explore the Alzheimer’s Research Pipeline