FDA Approved Medications for Alzheimer’s Disease – And What’s Coming Soon!

For 2026, the landscape of Alzheimer’s treatment has officially shifted from a “symptom management” era to a “disease-modifying” era. For years, medications only temporarily masked memory loss and confusion. Today, we are seeing the first generation of therapies that target the underlying biological causes of the disease, specifically by clearing toxic proteins from the brain.

This progress is fueled by advances in biomarkers, blood tests, and brain imaging, which enable more precise diagnoses and earlier intervention. While these newer treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease are not a cure, they can slow the inevitable cognitive decline, offering families more “quality time” where patients can remain independent and engaged.

Whether you are exploring options for early-stage mild cognitive impairment or seeking support for advanced dementia, this updated guide covers the latest FDA-approved tools and the most promising treatments nearing completion in clinical trials.

How Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease Has Changed for 2026

In the past, a diagnosis was often based solely on visible symptoms and “ruling out” other conditions. Today, the process is much more proactive and precise. Physicians now use biomarkers to see what is happening inside the brain long before significant memory loss occurs.

• Advanced Blood Tests: New, highly accurate blood tests can now detect the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s with a simple blood draw, often replacing the need for invasive spinal taps.

• Amyloid PET Scans: These specialized brain scans allow doctors to “see” the plaque buildup that drugs like Leqembi and Kisunla are designed to target.

• Earlier Intervention: Because of these tools, many people are being diagnosed at the Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) stage, which is the “goldilocks zone” where new disease-modifying treatments are most effective.

1. Disease-Modifying Therapies for Alzheimer’s Disease: The “New” Standard

Unlike older drugs that only manage symptoms, these therapies are designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease by removing amyloid plaques from the brain. They are primarily for people in the early stages (Mild Cognitive Impairment or Mild Dementia).

Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb)

Originally approved as a biweekly IV infusion, the FDA approved a subcutaneous weekly formulation in August 2025, which may enable more convenient at-home administration.

Kisunla (donanemab-azbt)

Approved in July 2024, this monthly IV infusion allows some patients to stop treatment once brain scans show their plaques have been sufficiently cleared.

Aduhelm (aducanumab)

Although it was the first in this class, the manufacturer voluntarily withdrew it from the market in 2024 due to business decisions.

Safety Note: These drugs require regular MRI monitoring to check for ARIA (Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities), which can include temporary brain swelling or small bleeds.

2. Symptomatic Medications for Treating Alzheimer’s Disease (The Core Support)

These medications do not cure the disease, but they help brain cells communicate more effectively to support thinking and memory.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors (for Mild to Moderate stages of Alzheimer’s Disease)

• Aricept (donepezil): Approved for all stages.

• Exelon (rivastigmine): Available as a pill or a skin patch.

• Razadyne (galantamine): Used for mild to moderate dementia.

• Zunveyl (benzgalantamine): A newer option approved for mild-to-moderate dementia.

Glutamate Regulators (for Moderate to Severe stages of Alzheimer’s Disease)

• Namenda (memantine): Helps regulate brain chemical activity involved in information processing.

Combination Therapy for Treating Alzheimer’s Disease

• Namzaric: A single capsule combining donepezil and memantine.

3. Alzheimer’s Medications for Treating Behavioral & Sleep Symptoms

Managing quality of life is just as critical as managing one’s memory.

Belsomra (suvorexant)

FDA-approved to treat insomnia in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.

Rexulti (brexpiprazole)

Specifically approved to treat agitation associated with Alzheimer’s dementia.

Upcoming – AXS-05

An oral medication for Alzheimer’s agitation is currently under “Priority Review” by the FDA, with a decision expected by April 30, 2026.

VIDEO: 2026 Update – New Alzheimer’s Drugs Signal a Turning Point

Pro Tip: Beware of Scams When it Comes to Alzheimer’s Therapy!

It’s important to know that there aren’t any current medications that can cure Alzheimer’s yet. Beware of untested or unproven “cures” or claims when it comes to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Check with your loved one’s doctor before trying any pills, supplements, or other products that claim to improve memory or cure brain disorders. These so-called treatments might be unsafe, a waste of money, or both. Even worse, they might interfere with real medical treatments.

Table 1: Summary of Approved Medications for Alzheimer’s Disease

This table summarizes the medications currently available for use. It includes “disease-modifying” therapies that slow the progression of the disease, as well as symptomatic treatments that help manage memory, thinking, and common behavioral challenges like agitation and insomnia.

Table 2: Promising Alzheimer’s Disease Medications in Clinical Trials

The following treatments are currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, the final stage of testing before the FDA decides on approval. These medications are particularly exciting because many offer new ways of taking the drug (like a once-daily pill) or target different biological pathways than existing therapies.

Table 3: Safety Monitoring for Disease-Modifying Therapies

The newest class of treatments, such as Leqembi and Kisunla, requires vigilant monitoring for a condition known as ARIA (Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities). This table outlines what patients and caregivers should expect regarding safety protocols.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Alzheimer’s Medications

• Is my loved one at the right stage for a disease-modifying therapy like Leqembi or Kisunla? These are generally reserved for early-stage or mild cognitive impairment.

• What are the specific risks of ARIA for them, and how will they be monitored? Ask about the frequency of required MRI scans.

• Does the facility offer at-home options? Inquire if the new subcutaneous (under-the-skin) version of Leqembi is an option for maintenance.

• For symptomatic drugs like Aricept or Namenda, how will we know if they are working? Since these drugs manage symptoms rather than the disease itself, ask what benchmarks the doctor uses to track effectiveness.

• What is the long-term plan for discontinuing treatment? It is important to have a plan for when medications may no longer be beneficial as the disease progresses.

Questions for Your Doctor About Alzheimer’s Treatments (printable format)

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