Alzheimer’s Disease and the Rising Cost of Treatment
Alzheimer’s disease affects over 6.9 million Americans in 2025, and the number is projected to grow. With no permanent cure, managing symptoms and slowing disease progression through medication is vital — but the cost of Alzheimer’s medications can vary dramatically depending on the type of drug, insurance coverage, and access to new therapies.
Common Alzheimer's Medications and Their Costs (2025)
1. Donepezil (Aricept)
Use: Improves cognition and memory in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s.
Cost: $10–$250/month
Generic: $10–$30
Brand-name (Aricept): $150–$250
2. Memantine (Namenda)
Use: Used in moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s stages.
Cost: $20–$300/month
Generic: $20–$50
Brand-name (Namenda XR): Up to $300
3. Rivastigmine (Exelon)
Use: Available as capsules or transdermal patches.
Cost: $60–$200/month (patches are typically more expensive)
4. Galantamine (Razadyne)
Use:Used for early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s.
Cost: $30–$250/month depending on formulation and brand
Newer FDA-Approved Alzheimer's Drugs (2023–2025)
Leqembi (lecanemab)
Use: Targets amyloid plaques, approved for early-stage Alzheimer’s.
Cost: Approx. $26,500/year before insurance or assistance programs
Coverage: Medicare coverage applies for select patients with confirmed amyloid pathology and monitoring.
Aduhelm (aducanumab)
Use: First amyloid-clearing drug; controversial efficacy.
Cost: Originally $56,000/year, later reduced to approx. $28,200/year
Coverage: Limited; CMS requires patient registry and pre-screening.
Insurance & Financial Assistance in the U.S.
Medicare Part D covers many generic Alzheimer's drugs but may include copays.
Manufacturer Assistance Programs may offer discounts on newer biologics.
Medicaid and Veterans Affairs (VA) programs may reduce costs further for eligible patients.
Long-term care insurance sometimes covers memory care services but not always prescriptions.