Brain Health Journey

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Determining what to do and care planning

Treatment Options and Clinical Trials

After receiving a diagnosis, the person you’re caring for will talk with their healthcare clinicians, care partner(s), and other people they trust about the future, including treatment options, to develop a care plan based on their goals and what’s important to them. Care plans often entail adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle, managing symptoms, and living well. Healthy lifestyle choices — like managing medical conditions, staying active, and keeping socially and mentally engaged — may delay progression of brain health decline.

What should we do next to plan for care?

Navigating a diagnosis is challenging. They may feel fear, sadness, loss, grief, frustration, and many more emotions. Though it may be necessary to change the way they do some activities, much of their life is still within their control. They can direct the course of their care and life with their healthcare clinician(s) and care partner(s), in line with their goals, priorities, and needs.

Lean on their support system: They should talk through their feelings with their care partner(s), people close to them, their healthcare clinicians, and mental health professionals. They and you need to keep making space for their emotions. If they are struggling or are in crisis, they can text or call 988 for the Crisis Lifeline. They should also consider connecting with:

Their local Alzheimer's Association chapter and support groups.
Others with brain health challenges and similar diagnoses through memory cafes.
A social worker identified through local government or health resources, who can help find and navigate additional resources, such as assistance with housing.

Keep the brain healthy: They can preserve brain health and continue living well by keeping their mind engaged, staying connected socially, exercising, eating healthy, and so on. Check out the National Institute on Aging’s resources to support brain health and the Alzheimer's Association’s Guide to Living Well for those with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
Make any necessary changes to daily life: Depending on the seriousness of their diagnosis, they may need to take extra precautions with daily activities and, in some cases, stop or limit some activities. These might include:

Living alone
Cooking with the oven and stovetop
Driving a car
Traveling alone
Independently managing finances

Develop a care plan: Develop a care plan with them that summarizes their health conditions, medications, and treatments. Review this plan regularly with them and their clinician(s) and make updates as they continue to navigate care and treatment options. Check out this template from the CDC and more guidance around the important elements of care planning.
Continue following up on care: They should continue attending follow-up appointments with their clinicians — both their PCP and specialists. Ask if any of their clinicians participate in the GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) Model, a Medicare program that coordinates resources for patients and care partners and helps people stay in their homes and communities as long as possible.
Explore treatment options with clinicians: There are several potential treatments for MCI or dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. They should discuss potential options with their clinicians to determine what might be right for them. Options include:

FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) / amyloid-targeting therapies (ATTs) that aim to modify the disease itself to slow progression
FDA-approved oral medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors if appropriate, and/or memantine
Clinical trials: Innovative research designed to find new ways to treat the disease
Alternative treatments: Non-medical treatments with varying evidence
Lifestyle modifications: Adjustments people can make at any time to improve and preserve brain health, such as healthy eating and exercise

Bottom line: Navigating a diagnosis is challenging. It’s crucial at this stage to think about the future and how they’d like to live well with this disease, explore treatment options, follow up on their care and, with their care partner(s) and clinicians, develop a care plan based on their preferences.

How can we begin planning for the future around finances and health?

What are the treatment options for someone at this stage? What's the right treatment option for the person I’m caring for?

They’re interested in looking into clinical trials. Where can we start? What questions should we ask?

They’re not sure about doing medication or treatment. What if they don't want to?

What are some resources for care partners helping them navigate this journey and needing support?

The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical judgment. Consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding Alzheimer's disease, related conditions, or any medical condition.

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Determining what to do and care planning

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