Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, characterised by progressive loss of memory, thinking, and behavioural abilities due to accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. Symptoms emerge gradually and worsen over years. Early diagnosis enables interventions that slow cognitive decline.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) slow cognitive decline in early to moderate stages by preserving acetylcholine, a brain chemical supporting memory. Memantine, an NMDA antagonist, provides mild benefit in moderate to advanced disease. Recently, monoclonal antibodies against amyloid (aducanumab, lecanemab, donanemab) show modest slowing of cognitive decline in early stages but require amyloid PET confirmation and carry amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) risk. Behavioural and psychological symptoms—depression, agitation, sleep disturbance—are managed with antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sleep aids. Cognitive stimulation, reminiscence therapy, and structured social engagement support cognition.
Ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, coconut oil, and herbal remedies (turmeric, resveratrol) are pursued by some patients; evidence is weak. Mediterranean and MIND diets, exercise, cognitive training, and sleep quality are strongly linked to slower cognitive decline but are not "alternative" medicine—they are foundational lifestyle measures.
Stem cell therapy for Alzheimer's is highly investigational. Mesenchymal and neural stem cells are being studied for their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and growth-factor-secreting properties. Clinical trials are minimal; no regenerative therapy is approved. These approaches aim to slow or reverse neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, but long-term benefit is unproven.
| Option | Type | Evidence | Indicative cost | Invasiveness | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donepezil (Aricept) | Standard | Strong | €100–180/month | Low | Continuous; modest slowing of decline |
| Memantine (Namenda) | Standard | Moderate | €150–250/month | Low | Slow onset; benefit in moderate-advanced stages |
| Lecanemab (Leqembi) | Standard | Moderate | €25,000–40,000/year | Medium | Fortnightly IV infusions; ARIA monitoring required; ~25% cognitive decline slowing |
| Donanemab (Kisunla) | Standard | Moderate | €28,000–45,000/year | Medium | Monthly IV infusions; amyloid reduction; ARIA risk |
| Antidepressants & Antipsychotics | Standard | Strong | €30–100/month | Low | Manage behavioural symptoms; improve quality of life |
| Cognitive Stimulation & Reminiscence Therapy | Standard | Moderate | €40–80/session | Low | Ongoing; slows some cognitive decline |
| Mesenchymal Stem Cell Infusion | Regenerative | Investigational | €20,000–40,000 | Medium | 1–2 weeks; long-term cognitive benefit unproven |
| Mediterranean & MIND Diet | Standard | Strong | €0–100/month (diet cost) | Low | Sustained; protective effect grows over years |
No. Current medications slow cognitive decline—lecanemab and donanemab slow it by ~25–35% in early stages—but do not arrest or reverse disease. Symptoms continue to progress; medications extend functional independence for months to a few years.
Stem cell therapy is investigational. Studies explore whether mesenchymal or neural stem cells reduce brain inflammation and neurodegeneration. Clinical evidence is very limited; no approved stem cell treatment exists for Alzheimer's.
Mediterranean and MIND diets, rich in fish, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil, show strong association with slower cognitive decline. Exercise, cognitive engagement, sleep quality, and cardiovascular health are also protective. None guarantee prevention, but lifestyle is foundational.
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Educational overview of treatment options; not medical advice. Standard treatments reflect mainstream guidance; regenerative/stem-cell uses are largely investigational. Reviewed by the StemCellAtlas editorial team.
רפואה רגנרטיבית מאושרת GMP בלב האיחוד האירופי — החל מ-3,000–8,000 יורו, חלק קטן ממחירי ארהב או גרמניה. פרוטוקולים מותאמים אישית למטופלים מ-50+ מדינות.
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