There is no cure for AD and no way to slow the progression of the disease. For some people in the early or middle stages of AD, medication such as tacrine (Cognex) may alleviate some cognitive symptoms. Donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Reminyl) may keep some symptoms from becoming worse for a limited time. A fifth drug, memantine (Namenda), was recently approved for use in the United States. Combining memantine with other AD drugs may be more effective than any single therapy. One controlled clinical trial found that patients receiving donepezil plus memantine had better cognition and other functions than patients receiving donepezil alone. Also, other medications may help control behavioral symptoms such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. Prevention, through lifestyle changes and mental and physcial exercise, represents one of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of getting the disease, coupled with regular, systematic monitoring.  

AD is a progressive disease, but its course can vary from 5 to 20 years. The most common cause of death in AD patients is infection.  As the population ages and other diseases are brought under control - Alzheimer's becomes a major risk.