Alzheimer's

Diagnosis

The disease starts gradually. People with early-onset Alzheimer's, in particular, are often misdiagnosed with stress or depression.

At IU Health your physicians will use advanced technology to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease. No matter what the age of onset, you need an accurate, early diagnosis so that you can begin medication to control symptoms.

No single test confirms the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The disease is diagnosed with the following:

• A physical and neurological exam
• Laboratory testing
• Cognitive testing

To rule out other neurological conditions, your physicians at IU Health will use advanced brain-imaging technology, including:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan

Treatment

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, treatment options are available that may help slow disease progression for some people in the early stages of Alzheimer's.

Early Alzheimer's disease treatment options

At IU Health, we offer two FDA-approved treatments for early Alzheimer's disease: lecanemab and donanemab. These therapies target amyloid plaques, a protein that accumulates in the brain and is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Although these treatments do not reverse memory loss or cure Alzheimer's disease, they may help slow the progression of symptoms in eligible patients.

Before treatment begins, patients undergo specialized testing to determine whether these therapies are appropriate for their condition.

Lecanemab may be administered in one of two ways:

• Intravenous (IV) infusion every two weeks at an outpatient infusion center for approximately 18 months
• Once-weekly injection that can be self-administered at home for approximately 18 months

Following the initial treatment period, some patients may be eligible for ongoing maintenance therapy to help manage amyloid plaque buildup over time.

Donanemab is administered as an IV infusion every four weeks at an outpatient infusion center for a total of 18 treatments.

Throughout treatment, patients receive ongoing monitoring, including regular MRI scans, to help ensure safety and effectiveness.

Brain Health team support

Our Brain Health team provides comprehensive support throughout the treatment journey. Patients and caregivers work with a multidisciplinary team that includes neurologists, advanced practice providers, nurse navigators, a social worker and a financial coordinator. Together, we guide patients through evaluation, treatment, monitoring and ongoing care.

In partnership with the IU Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias at Indiana University School of Medicine, IU Health also provides access to leading Alzheimer's research, clinical trials and emerging treatment options, helping advance the future of brain healthcare while delivering expert care today.

Not sure if treatment is right for you? Our team can help you understand your options and determine whether you may be eligible for therapy.

Research

Early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease Study

Early-onset Alzheimer’s affects people under the age of 65. It can start in people in their 30s and 40s. The IU School of Medicine is studying advance early-onset Alzheimer’s to support future treatment options. 

The Longitudinal Early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease Study (LEADS) will address major gaps in disease research. The study will follow participants ages 40-64 years. LEADS is enrolling participants at research sites across the country. Learn more about this study, including enrollment criteria.