April 21, 2025

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: What Families Should Know

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. It can be a deeply emotional journey for families and caregivers. Knowing what to expect and how to navigate the treatment landscape is essential for managing care effectively and compassionately.

In its early stages, Alzheimer’s often presents as mild memory loss or confusion, which can be mistaken for normal aging. However, as the disease progresses, individuals may have trouble with communication, performing familiar tasks, and recognizing loved ones. As a caregiver, recognizing these signs early and seeking medical support can lead to better care planning and a higher quality of life.

Medications: What They Do and What to Expect

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

These medications help improve communication between nerve cells in the brain and are used in early to moderate stages:

• Donepezil (Aricept): Approved for all stages and commonly prescribed.
• Rivastigmine (Exelon): Available in pill or patch form, helpful for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.
• Galantamine (Razadyne): Typically used in the early stages.

These medications can modestly improve symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and difficulties with thinking and reasoning.

Memantine (Namenda)

Used in moderate to severe stages, memantine helps manage symptoms like confusion and agitation. It may be combined with donepezil as Namzaric. This combination therapy can help stabilize symptoms and allow individuals to maintain independence a bit longer.

Side Effects to Watch For

Common issues include nausea, loss of appetite, or dizziness. If your loved one experiences side effects, speak with their healthcare provider. Monitoring and medication adjustments are often needed. Medication response varies by individual, so it’s important to be patient and track any behavioral or cognitive changes.

Newer Alzheimer’s Treatments: What’s on the Horizon

Anti-Amyloid Infusions

These advanced therapies target amyloid plaques in the brain, believed to contribute to the disease:

• Aducanumab (Aduhelm): Targets beta-amyloid buildup; requires infusion.
• Lecanemab (Leqembi): FDA-approved in 2023 for early Alzheimer’s; shows promise in slowing cognitive decline.

Caregivers should know these treatments are costly, require medical supervision, and may come with serious side effects such as swelling or bleeding in the brain. Discuss risks and benefits thoroughly with your loved one’s neurologist.

Other Innovations in Development

• Tau protein therapies
• Anti-inflammatory approaches
• Gene therapy for genetic Alzheimer’s cases

Participation in clinical trials may offer access to these cutting-edge therapies before they reach the broader market.

Non-Drug Approaches to Supporting Brain Function

Cognitive Stimulation

Structured mental activities can help maintain memory and communication skills. Group or individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is widely used. Activities may include puzzles, discussions about past events, or music-based exercises.

Physical Activity

Exercise isn’t just good for the body—it’s vital for brain health. Walking, yoga, tai chi, or even light stretching routines can improve mood, reduce restlessness, and promote better sleep patterns.

Healthy Diet

The MIND diet is associated with slower cognitive decline. Prioritize:

• Leafy greens
• Berries
• Whole grains
• Fish
• Nuts and olive oil

Avoid sugary snacks, red meat, and heavily processed foods. Caregivers can encourage healthy eating by preparing meals together, which also creates positive bonding time.

Music and Art Therapy

Creative therapies are powerful tools. Music, especially familiar songs, can boost mood and even trigger memories. Art provides emotional expression and sensory stimulation. These therapies can be tailored to personal preferences and skill levels, making them highly accessible.

Helping Your Loved One Manage Behavioral Symptom

Behavioral changes are common as Alzheimer’s progresses. These can include agitation, aggression, wandering, or sleep disruptions.

Tips for Families:

• Stick to routines: Consistency reduces confusion.
• Simplify tasks: Break steps down and avoid overwhelming the person.
• Create a calm environment: Soothing music and low lighting can help.
• Use redirection: Gently steer attention away from stressors.

Also consider tracking patterns. Is there a certain time of day when agitation increases? 

Does a particular noise or light level cause stress? Identifying triggers can help minimize outbursts.

When symptoms become unmanageable, doctors may recommend medications like antidepressants or antipsychotics. These should be used cautiously and under strict supervision due to potential side effects.

Caregiver Wellness: Protecting Your Own Health

Emotional Support

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is emotionally demanding. Don’t go it alone:

• Join a support group (online or in person)
• Talk to a therapist familiar with caregiving challenges
• Share responsibilities with family or friends

Talking openly about your struggles doesn’t make you less of a caregiver—it makes you stronger.

Respite Care

Every caregiver needs a break. Explore respite services to recharge—whether it’s an adult day center or a short-term nursing facility. Even a few hours of relief weekly can greatly reduce burnout.

Stay Informed

Knowledge empowers caregivers. Keep up with:

• Alzheimer’s Association resources
• Books on dementia care
• Local workshops or webinars

Websites like ALZ.org offer free printable guides and training videos to help navigate each stage of the disease.

Using Technology to Support Daily Life

Safety Tools

• GPS devices for wandering prevention
• Medication reminders to ensure timely doses
• Home sensors and smart tech to monitor activity

Apps for Caregivers

Apps like MindMate, Dementia Clock, and CareZone can assist with scheduling, symptom tracking, and cognitive engagement. These tools can help you stay organized while improving quality of care.

Voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant can also be programmed to help your loved one with reminders and daily tasks.

The Role of Clinical Trials

Clinical trials provide access to new treatments and help advance science. Check with your loved one’s doctor or visit ClinicalTrials.gov for opportunities.

Research Highlights

• Early detection tests
• Immunotherapy
• Brain scans and blood biomarkers
• Stem cell-based interventions

Participating in a trial may give your loved one access to innovative treatments and provide a sense of purpose and contribution.

Planning Ahead: Practical and Legal Considerations

Early-stage Alzheimer’s is the ideal time to make decisions together:

• Power of attorney for health and finances
• Advance directives for medical care
• Long-term care planning and insurance reviews

Discussing these topics early can reduce stress later and ensure wishes are honored. Involving a social worker, elder law attorney, or financial planner can make the process smoother.

Also consider:

• Choosing a primary caregiver
• Creating a list of emergency contacts
• Documenting preferred routines and activities

Encouraging Hope: What the Future Holds

There’s real momentum in Alzheimer’s research. Breakthroughs in precision medicine, diagnostic tools, and potential disease-modifying therapies offer hope. While there is no cure yet, each step forward helps families live better, longer, and more empowered lives.

More support services, earlier diagnosis, and increased public awareness are also helping reduce stigma and improve quality of care.

As a caregiver or family member, your role is vital in supporting your loved one’s well-being. Alzheimer’s care involves a combination of medical treatment, emotional support, lifestyle changes, and planning. With the right tools and knowledge, you can face this journey with strength, compassion, and hope.

Take it one day at a time. Celebrate small victories, seek help when you need it, and remember: You are not alone.

Resources for Families and Caregivers:

• Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org): Helplines, support groups, and education.
• Family Caregiver Alliance (www.caregiver.org): Caregiver support services.
• National Institute on Aging (www.nia.nih.gov): Research updates and care tips.
• AlzConnected (www.alzconnected.org): Online caregiver communities.