I Forgot What It's Called... Alzheimer's?
“The Long Goodbye”. “Sundowners Syndrome”. “Old Timers Disease” These are some of the nicknames this once mysterious disease has been called. Alzheimer's disease affects 1 in 9 people over the age of 65. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, with a case developing every 67 seconds. Despite these alarming statistics, as of 2024 there were only 6 FDA approved Alzheimer's treatments. What is this forgetful disease? What are the symptoms? If you or a loved one develops Alzheimer's, what can you do about the lack of treatments?
What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer’s disease is widely known for its effects on memory loss, but most don't know why. Patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's are experiencing a biological process that causes the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are forms of protein that causes kills brain cells and eventually leads to the brain shrinking.
Symptoms
Memory Loss: While everyone has trouble with memory with age, patients with Alzheimer’s experience a long lasting impact on memory. This decline in memory is more likely recognizable by a family member or a friend, than the patient themselves.
Thinking and Reasoning Decline: abstract concepts such as number get difficult to comprehend, and eventually recognize
Changes in Personality and Behavior
a. Depression
b. Loss of interest in activities
c. Social withdrawal
d. Mood Swings: Anger or Aggression
e. Wandering
f. Loss of inhibitions
g. Delusions
Treatment options
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Today’s treatments are limited and cannot stop the disease, but they may help manage symptoms for a period of time. Some medications can support memory, thinking, or daily functioning, while others help with mood or behavior changes. These treatments work differently for each person and are often most helpful in the earlier stages, with the primary goal of preserving independence and quality of life for as long as possible.
Because treatment options are limited, clinical research plays an important role in Alzheimer’s care. Clinical trials offer access to emerging therapies designed to slow cognitive decline and delay the progression of memory loss. While these treatments are not cures, they focus on maintaining dignity—helping individuals remain engaged with loved ones, hold onto daily routines, and preserve their sense of self through every stage of the disease.
If you or someone you love is experiencing memory changes or has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, we encourage you to contact us today. Our team can help determine whether you or your loved one may qualify for one of our ongoing clinical research studies and guide you through the next steps with care and compassion.
Works Cited
Alzheimer’s Association. FDA-Approved Treatments for Alzheimer’s. Apr. 2025.
“Anti-Amyloid Therapy FAQ | Cleveland Clinic Nevada.” Cleveland Clinic, 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/neurological/depts/brain-health/anti-amyloid-therapy-faq.
Mayo Clinic. “Alzheimer’s Disease - Diagnosis and Treatment.” Mayo Clinic, 10 July 2024,
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350453.
National Institute on Aging. “How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Treated?” National Institute on Aging,
2023, www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-treatment/how-alzheimers-disease-treated.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “FDA Approves Treatment for Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2 July 2024, www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-treatment-adults-alzheimers-disease.