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Many people with mild or moderate dementia continue to live in their own homes.

Once the person with Alzheimer's needs more care, a residential setting may be required.

Proximity to illness, aging, or disability can alter one’s sense of what's really important in life.

At present, two drugs have been approved in the United States for people with early Alzheimer's disease: donanemab and lecanemab. Unlike older drugs, which only addressed symptoms, the new options target and remove beta-amyloid, thought to be the principal culprit of cognitive impairment, from the brain. While they don’t offer a cure, they slow down cognitive decline.

The introduction of these medications has not been without controversy. Some physicians and health policy experts have questioned whether the benefits justify the costs and the intensive monitoring required. Patients receiving these treatments typically need regular MRI scans to watch for rare but potentially serious side effects, including brain swelling and microbleeds. Coverage varies among Medicare, private insurers, and individual health plans, making access to treatment an important consideration for many families.

Across North America, organizations dedicated to dementia care help thousands of families to navigate what is often a confusing and emotionally demanding process. Fortunately, The Alzheimer’s Association (AA) has a very accessible and informative website. Here you can learn about what changes to expect at each stage of dementia and see what resources are available every step of the way. Also, finding your local Alzheimer's Association chapter and learning about programs and services in your........

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