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Treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease

Cromwell Hospital offers a monthly infusion programme that may help slow the progression of early‑stage Alzheimer’s disease.

The cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease are often life-changing for patients and their families. After years without new treatments, there are now medications available that can, for the first time, help slow the progression of symptoms. Cromwell Hospital offers these medications via a monthly infusion programme. 

If you choose to have treatment with us, you’ll be supported by an expert multidisciplinary team. This includes memory specialists, nurse specialists, radiologists, and pathway coordinators who will guide you through each step of your care. 

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This treatment is only suitable for people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s who have confirmed amyloid build‑up in the brain. It is not suitable for people with moderate or advanced Alzheimer’s.

Before offering treatment, we will carry out tests to check whether it is safe and appropriate for you. This includes a cognitive assessment and MRI screening.

You will not be able to have this treatment if:

  • you have two copies of the ApoE4 gene, as this increases the risk of side effects
  • you have another form of dementia, such as dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular dementia, or frontotemporal dementia
  • you are unable to provide informed consent
  • you have a history of a stroke
  • amyloid is not present on brain imaging

How does treatment work?

Alzheimer’s disease occurs when a protein called amyloid builds up in the brain. This accumulation of amyloid occurs over many years and eventually damages healthy brain cells. Over time, this damage contributes to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

The medication we use helps to remove amyloid from the brain. Unlike existing treatments in Alzheimer’s disease – which aim to treat symptoms – these new medicines are disease‑modifying. This means they target the cause of the condition itself. In research studies, about three‑quarters of patients had a reduction in amyloid while receiving this treatment.

While many patients benefit from the new treatments, the medication may not work for everyone. As part of the assessment process, our team will explain the benefits, potential side effects, and limitations so you can make an informed choice.

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Benefits for patients

This treatment may help:

  • slow down cognitive decline
  • maintain daily functioning for longer
  • support continued independence and delay supported living
  • give patients and families more time to plan for the future
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How is the treatment delivered?

The medication is given through a monthly infusion at Cromwell Hospital. Most people receive treatment for 12 months, but this can be extended up to 18 months depending on how you respond.

Your progress will be monitored through regular appointments, scans, and cognitive testing to see if the amyloid levels are reducing.

These medications can cause severe side effects. Regular review and MRI scans are used to help identify issues as early as possible.

You and your family will have telephone access to the team for urgent support, as well as instructions on what to do if you experience side effects.

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Our locations

Cromwell Hospital

Cromwell Hospital

164-178 Cromwell Road
London SW5 0TU
United Kingdom

+44 (0)20 7460 5700

More about our hospital >
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Contact Self-Pay

Call our dedicated Self-Pay team to make an enquiry, request a quote, or book an appointment.

+44 (0)20 7244 4886

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Private Alzheimer's disease consultants in London

Our consultants work as part of a multidisciplinary team which includes neurologists, psychiatrists, radiologists, and nurse specialists.

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Dr Justin Sauer

Dr Justin Sauer

Consultant Psychiatrist

General psychiatry
Dr Angus Kennedy

Dr Angus Kennedy

Consultant Neurologist

Neurology

This webpage was reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr Justin Sauer, Consultant Psychiatrist.

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