Do I Have to Treat It?
What Happens if You Do Nothing After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis often comes with an overwhelming list of options, tests, and recommendations. Some families feel ready to fight the disease head-on. Others hesitate, wondering: Do we have to treat it right away? What if we do nothing?
It’s a fair question — and an important one.
The truth is, whether you pursue treatment or not, Alzheimer’s will keep moving forward. But the speed and impact of that progression can vary, and your decision will shape what that journey looks like.
Why Some People Choose Not to Treat
There are many reasons people delay or decline treatment:
Fear of side effects from medications like Leqembi or Kisunla
Cost concerns, even with insurance
Time and travel burden for infusion therapies and monitoring
Belief that “nothing will work anyway”
Preference for focusing on comfort and quality of life rather than medical intervention
While those reasons are valid, it’s important to know the trade-offs.
What Happens if You Do Nothing
If Alzheimer’s is left untreated:
The disease will progress
Without intervention, Alzheimer’s typically moves from mild symptoms to severe decline over several years.
Symptoms may worsen faster
Some treatments can slow progression by months or even years. Skipping treatment removes that buffer.
Opportunities for early intervention are lost
Medications like Leqembi and Kisunla work only in the earliest stages. Waiting too long can make you ineligible.
Planning time is shortened
Without treatment, the “window” for legal, financial, and care planning may close more quickly.
Real-Life Story: Meet “Sam”
Sam, 70, was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s. His neurologist recommended Leqembi, but he was hesitant about infusions and potential side effects.
A year later, his symptoms had progressed to the moderate stage. By then, he no longer qualified for anti-amyloid therapy.
“I thought I’d have more time to decide,” says his wife. “Looking back, I wish we had tried something while we still could.”
Why Early Treatment Matters
Current FDA-approved Alzheimer’s medications are disease-modifying — they can slow the progression, not stop it. But they only work for people in the earliest stages.
Starting early can mean:
More months or years of independence
Longer ability to drive, manage finances, and live at home
More time to participate in meaningful activities
If You Decide to Delay Treatment
Delaying treatment doesn’t mean doing nothing. You can still:
Adopt brain-healthy lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, social engagement)
Treat other conditions that affect brain health (sleep apnea, depression, hypertension)
Monitor symptoms regularly with a neurologist or memory clinic
Keep legal and financial plans updated
Real-Life Story: Meet “Maria”
Maria, 66, decided against starting Kisunla due to her health history. Instead, she focused on controlling her diabetes, joining a walking group, and participating in a cognitive training program.
Her progression has been slow, but her neurologist continues to monitor her in case she wants to revisit treatment.
“It’s about staying engaged and active,” she says. “I’m still making memories.”
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
What are my goals for quality of life?
Am I eligible for treatments that slow progression?
How do I feel about the risks and side effects?
Can I handle the monitoring requirements?
How will my decision affect my family and care partner?
Bottom Line
You don’t have to treat Alzheimer’s — but the decision not to comes with consequences. Without early intervention, symptoms will progress unchecked, and treatment options may disappear.
Whether you choose medication, lifestyle changes, or both, the most important thing is to make an informed decision while you still can.
💬 Need help weighing the options?
I help families understand the full picture of Alzheimer’s treatments, including what happens if you do nothing — so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
📅 Book your free 10-minute clarity call: https://www.memorytreatmentadvisors.com/schedule
