Author：Medical Editor Emma
What is Alzheimer’s Disease and How Common Is It?
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic brain disorder that gradually destroys a person’s memory, thinking abilities, and the ability to perform daily tasks. Most patients begin showing symptoms at age 65 or older. Alzheimer’s disease is the primary cause of dementia in the elderly and is currently listed as the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.
In the United States, approximately 7 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, and the number of patients is growing rapidly.
By 2024, it is expected that 6.9 million people aged 65 and older will be affected, with 73% of these patients being over the age of 75.
Around 1 in 9 people aged 65 and older (10.9%) are living with Alzheimer’s.
Nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients are women.
Elderly African Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias compared to elderly white Americans, while the incidence in Hispanic Americans is 1.5 times higher than in elderly white Americans.
As the U.S. population ages, the number of cases is expected to continue increasing. Without breakthrough prevention or treatment methods, the number of patients aged 65 and older could rise to 12.7 million by 2050.
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
Symptoms: Memory loss, difficulty handling finances, getting lost, behavior changes.
Characteristics: Increased time to complete daily tasks, patients are often diagnosed during this stage.
Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
Symptoms: Impaired language, reasoning, and sensory processing, severe memory loss, inability to recognize loved ones.
Characteristics: Difficulty learning new things, inability to complete multi-step tasks, possible hallucinations, delusions, and impulsive behavior.
Severe Alzheimer’s Disease
Symptoms: Significant brain atrophy, inability to communicate, completely dependent on others for care.
Characteristics: Late-stage patients are often bedridden, gradually losing bodily functions.
Alzheimer’s disease not only presents a significant challenge for patients and their families but also places a heavy burden on the healthcare system. Early diagnosis and proactive management are key strategies in addressing this disease.
How is Alzheimer’s Disease Treated?
The approach to treating Alzheimer's disease varies across its stages, with early-stage treatment centered on delaying disease progression and enhancing cognitive functions, while later stages shift focus to alleviating symptoms, offering comprehensive care, and enhancing patients' quality of life. Treatment strategies integrate pharmacological therapies (including cholinesterase inhibitors, glutamate receptor modulators, and immunotherapies like Lecanemab and Donanemab), non-pharmacological interventions (such as cognitive exercises, adhering to a Mediterranean diet, physical activity, and improving sleep patterns), and supportive care to tailor a comprehensive and personalized management plan, ultimately aiding in delaying functional decline and enhancing patients' overall well-being.
Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Cured?
Alzheimer’s disease is very complex, so it is unlikely that any single medication or intervention will successfully treat all patients with the disease. Scientists are continually developing and testing several potential treatment interventions in ongoing clinical trials.
While a cure for Alzheimer’s disease has not yet been found, new medications are constantly emerging, showing progress in treating the underlying causes of the disease. Some medications can temporarily improve or stabilize memory and cognitive function in certain patients and may also help control certain symptoms and behavioral issues.
Advantages and Latest Developments in Alzheimer’s Treatment in the U.S.
Advantages of Treating Alzheimer’s Disease in the U.S.
Research Investment: The U.S. has implemented a national dementia plan focused on early intervention and provides funding to research institutions nationwide through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Additionally, NIH supports drug development, data sharing, and the infrastructure for clinical research.
Diverse Treatment Options: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several new Alzheimer’s treatments, with Donanemab being the latest therapy approved in 2024.
Government Assistance: To alleviate the economic burden on Alzheimer’s patients and their families, both federal and state governments offer assistance services covering medical care, disability benefits, and respite care.
Early Diagnostic Technologies: Early diagnosis not only helps save costs for families and the government but recent studies have identified more affordable and user-friendly methods for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages.
Latest Advances in Alzheimer’s Treatment in the U.S.
Immunotherapy
KISUNLA (donanemab-azbt): Approved by the FDA in July 2024 for patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer’s disease. As an immunotherapy, it works by clearing abnormal beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, improving cognitive function in patients.
This therapy is administered via intravenous injection once every four weeks, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. Possible side effects include brain swelling and bleeding, headaches, confusion, dizziness, vision changes, nausea, seizures, and difficulty walking.
LEQEMBI (lecanemab-irmb): The first FDA-approved disease-modifying therapy, certified in January 2023, primarily for early-stage Alzheimer’s patients. It is an immunotherapy that works by removing abnormal beta-amyloid plaques in the brain to slow disease progression.
This therapy is administered via intravenous infusion every two weeks, with each session lasting about an hour. Possible side effects include brain swelling and bleeding, headaches, cough, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, hypertension, hypotension, and low oxygen levels.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy represents a promising future treatment for Alzheimer’s, aiming to address the root cause of the disease by transplanting normal genes into cells to replace defective ones. It is a hopeful method that can potentially correct the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s, rather than simply controlling its debilitating symptoms.
Other FDA-Approved Medications for Alzheimer’s Disease.Please discuss your options and which medications are best for you with your healthcare provider.
Brexpiprazole: An atypical antipsychotic. It treats agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Possible side effects include common cold symptoms, dizziness, high blood sugar, and stroke. It is taken once daily in tablet form.
ZUNVEYL (Benzgalantamine): A cholinesterase inhibitor. Its active ingredient, galantamine, treats mild to moderate Alzheimer’s symptoms. The development of Benzgalantamine aims to reduce some of the side effects associated with galantamine, including indigestion. It prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and stimulates nicotine receptors in the brain to release more acetylcholine. It is taken twice daily in extended-release tablet form.
Memantine and Donepezil (Combination Therapy): An NMDA antagonist. It treats moderate to severe Alzheimer’s symptoms by blocking the toxic effects of excessive glutamate and preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. Possible side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of appetite, and bruising. It is taken once daily in extended-release capsule form.
Top U.S. Hospitals and Experts for Alzheimer’s Treatment
According to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-2025, the following are the leading hospitals and experts for Alzheimer’s treatment in the United States:
1.NYU Langone Health
Location: New York City
Overview: NYU Langone Health is renowned for its expertise in neurology, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The hospital brings together top neurologists and offers multidisciplinary Alzheimer’s care, utilizing advanced imaging technologies and clinical trials to provide precise treatment plans for patients.
2.Mayo Clinic, Rochester
Location: Rochester, Minnesota
Overview: As one of the most famous medical institutions worldwide, Mayo Clinic has long been a leader in neurology and geriatric medicine. Its Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment and Research Center gathers numerous experts and employs comprehensive treatment approaches while participating in clinical trials for innovative drugs and therapies globally.
3.UCSF Medical Center
Location: San Francisco, California
Overview: UCSF Medical Center is renowned for its leadership in neuroscience, particularly in the early diagnosis and molecular treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The UCSF Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center is dedicated to advancing the understanding of disease mechanisms and conducting numerous clinical trials, providing cutting-edge treatments to patients.
4.NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Location: New York City
Overview: NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is one of the top medical institutions in the U.S., with a world-class reputation in neurology, particularly in Alzheimer’s treatment and research. The hospital integrates clinical care, personalized treatment, and the latest research findings to provide comprehensive support and treatment for patients.
Notable Expert: Professor Dexter Sun is the Chief Neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and a full professor at Cornell University. He holds a Ph.D. in molecular neuroscience and an M.D. from the University of Wisconsin. Professor Sun is recognized annually as one of the “Top Doctors in America” by Castle Connolly and is listed among the top 1% of neurologists in the U.S. He has received awards such as the Compassionate Doctor Award and Patient’s Choice Award. His patients include prominent figures such as political leaders, CEOs, and famous individuals like Henry Kissinger and I. M. Pei.
5.Johns Hopkins Hospital
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Overview: Johns Hopkins Hospital is a globally recognized center for medical and academic research, particularly leading the world in neurology. The Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Johns Hopkins is committed to early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and innovative research to offer advanced treatment options and help patients delay disease progression.
Costs of Alzheimer’s Treatment in the U.S.
According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on the costs of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment, there is a significant difference in treatment costs based on the disease stage. The research used meta-analysis to categorize treatment costs by disease stage (mild, moderate, and severe) and estimated the total annual cost per patient.
Overall, the average annual treatment cost per patient is approximately $20,461. Specifically, as the disease progresses, the costs increase significantly:
Mild Stage: Approximately $14,675 per year
Moderate Stage: Approximately $19,975 per year
Severe Stage: Approximately $29,708 per year
This analysis further confirms the positive correlation between Alzheimer’s treatment costs and disease severity, providing a reference for patients and families in making treatment decisions and economic planning.
Challenges Faced by International Alzheimer’s Patients
For families facing a major illness diagnosis, accessing advanced therapies in the U.S. can often feel out of reach.
Challenge 1: Difficulty in Choosing Treatment Plan
Patients may lack knowledge about various treatment options (such as medications, surgery, or neurostimulation) and struggle to make informed decisions.
Challenge 2: High Medical Costs
Long-term treatment for Alzheimer’s can impose significant financial pressure on patients, not to mention the costs of long-distance travel, accommodation, and living expenses. Additionally, 95% of international patients do not have insurance coverage to help cover these costs.
Challenge 3: Language and Cultural Barriers
International patients may face challenges in communication and cultural differences when seeking care across countries, which can affect the effectiveness of treatment.
Challenge 4: Long-Term Stay in the U.S. or Frequent Travel Between Two Countries
Alzheimer’s treatment is a long-term process, and temporary relief does not equate to long-term improvement. Depending on the stage of the disease, some patients may need to stay in the U.S. for an extended period, or frequently travel between countries, adding to the burden.
Is there a way to help patients alleviate these burdens?
Case Study: Asian Alzheimer’s Patient Consults U.S. Expert via Remote Video
Yes, it is indeed possible.
A 68-year-old Asian elderly man, who had gradually transformed from a gentle, mild-mannered person to one who became irritable and prone to anger, was causing significant distress to both himself and his family due to his drastic personality changes.
After undergoing an examination, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. However, the local treatment options could only alleviate his symptoms with medication, without effectively addressing the issues of cognitive decline and memory deterioration.
In this situation, the patient and his family turned to MEDEBOUND HEALTH—a cross-border medical service organization with 9 years of experience in overseas healthcare services and a patient satisfaction rate of 95%.
Through MEDEBOUND HEALTH's professional connections, they successfully reached out to Dr. Dexter, a leading neurologist and board member at Cornell University.
Dr. Dexter is an authoritative neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (ranked #1 in the U.S. for neurology and neurosurgery) and has previously served as the psychiatrist for former U.S. Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger.
During the consultation, Professor Dexter conducted a thorough inquiry with the elderly patient to assess his current memory and cognitive status. He guided the patient through a series of specific tasks and closely observed his walking gait, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s neurological and physical condition. At the same time, he engaged in in-depth communication with the family to better understand the patient’s overall living situation, which served as crucial information for developing a personalized treatment plan.
Based on the assessment results, the professor recommended the latest approved Alzheimer's treatment medication Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb), which significantly slows disease progression by clearing amyloid-beta plaques in the brain. MEDEBOUND HEALTH fully assisted, helping the elder successfully fly from China to the United States, and successfully begin Leqembi treatment.
After the consultation, MEDEBOUND HEALTH assisted the elderly patient in flying from China to the United States, where he was successfully prescribed the newly approved Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb).
This medication has the potential to significantly slow the progression of the disease by clearing β-amyloid plaques in the brain, bringing new hope to the elderly patient and his family.
Medebound HEALTH: How We Serve You
1. Initial Consultation: Connect with us to discover your needs. Our dedicated care team will concisely outline all treatment options, ensuring you understand each choice without feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
2. Doctor Consultation: We'll arrange a remote video consultation with an expert from a prestigious U.S. hospital. Language barriers are no issue, as we provide professional translation services to facilitate clear and comfortable communication between you and the doctor about your condition and recovery goals.
3. Tailored Treatment Plan: Following the doctor's consultation, we'll help you devise a personalized treatment plan. We'll clearly explain which treatments may be advantageous for you, the duration of treatment, associated costs, and expected outcomes.
4. Travel Facilitation: If traveling to the U.S. for treatment is necessary, we'll streamline the process for you. We'll handle visa applications, flight bookings, accommodations near the hospital, airport transfers, and all travel arrangements for your family.
5.Hospital Arrival Support: Upon arrival at the U.S. hospital, our team will be there to guide you through every step. We'll assist with doctor communication, explain treatment plans, support your family, and leverage our years of partnership with U.S. hospitals to secure the maximum discount for you, which can sometimes reach 15%-50%—far surpassing the discounts patients can typically negotiate on their own.
6. Ongoing Recovery Support: Even after returning home, our care continues. We'll support your rehabilitation efforts, monitor your recovery progress, arrange follow-up doctor consultations as needed, and be with you every step of the way until you achieve your recovery goals.
Medebound HEALTH: Connecting You to Top Medical Resources Worldwide
If you or your family members are seeking world-class treatment for complex conditions, Medebound HEALTH is your best choice. Through our partnerships with top-tier medical institutions in the United States, whether through remote video consultations or traveling to the US for treatment, we provide full support every step of the way.
Contact us:
Website: https://www.medeboundhealth.com/
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