Treatments for dementia and Alzheimer's disease in Israel
Relevant medications and treatments for dementia and Alzheimer's in Israel
On this page we have compiled the treatments available in Israel for people dealing with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The treatments are detailed in three different categories:
- Treatments Dedicated to the disease Alzheimer's (to slow cognitive decline or improve cognitive ability)
- Treatments for relief About Symptoms dementia (Such as – confusion, aggression, hallucinations, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite)
- Treatments Reduces the risk of dementia
- Memory loss, impairment in attention and daily functioning
- Confusion, restlessness, agitation, aggression, and hallucinations
- Low mood, anxiety, depression
- Poor sleep, lack of appetite, and more
Each category details the types of treatment currently available in Israel and arguments are offered for their effectiveness:
- Prescription (RX) medications
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
- Medical devices
- Dietary supplements, vitamins and minerals
- Behavioral and physical therapies
Clarifications:
- For each preparation, it is indicated whether it is included in the drug basket and what its estimated cost is.
- Treatments that are not available in Israel are not included here.
- Tables sometimes include links toawareness From the treatment providers, with information about the treatments and how to purchase them.
- EMDA Association Receives sponsorship payments for these ads, which are used to expand and improve the services and solutions that the association provides to the public.
- The information about the treatments on this page, and in the advertisements, is published as is on behalf of the advertising entities, andEMDA Association Not responsible To his readiness.
- The use of these treatments is at your discretion, And at your sole responsibility.
Targeted treatments for Alzheimer's disease
To slow cognitive decline or improve cognitive ability
Below is information about treatments provided in Israel. To slow cognitive decline or improve cognitive ability In Alzheimer's disease:
| Name of the treatment | Who is it for? | Key benefits | In the medicine basket? | Cost and comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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To Kanmab – Lecanemab Monoclonal antibody against amyloid β, from Eisai and Biogen. |
Patients diagnosed (biologically) as suffering from early-stage Alzheimer's disease (moderate cognitive decline or mild dementia) |
Lecanmab is a drug that locates and removes amyloid protein deposits in the brain. The treatment is given by intravenous infusion once every two weeks. Clinical trials have shown a slowdown in cognitive-functional deterioration by an average of 27% over six months compared to the course of Alzheimer's disease in untreated patients. |
Not included in the basket. Lacanem is approved for use by the FDA (starting in 2023) and by the Ministry of Health in Israel. The drug, and most of the tests to determine suitability for treatment and monitor treatment, are not included in the health basket in Israel as of 2025. A request has been submitted for inclusion in the 2025 basket. |
Cost : Estimated at $2,000–4,000 per month. Treatment costs are partially covered by private health insurance under the out-of-pocket medication section. |
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Donanmab – Donanemab Monoclonal antibody against amyloid β, from Eli Lilly. |
Patients diagnosed (biologically) as suffering from early-stage Alzheimer's disease ( moderate cognitive decline or mild dementia). |
Donenumab is a drug that locates and removes amyloid protein deposits in the brain. The treatment is given by intravenous infusion once a month until a PET scan shows that there are no amyloid deposits left in the brain. At this point, treatment with Donenumab is stopped. Clinical trials have shown a slowdown in functional cognitive decline by approximately 35% compared to placebo for approximately 7–8 months in early-stage patients. |
Not included in the basket. Donenumab is approved for use by the FDA (starting in 2023). The medication and most of the tests to determine suitability for treatment and monitor treatment are not included in the health basket. |
Cost : Estimated at approximately $2,000–4,000 per month. The costs of treatment are partially covered by private health insurance under the out-of-pocket medication section. |
Magnetic brain stimulation combined with cognitive training NeuroAD system from Neuronix |
Specific treatments to relieve dementia symptoms
Below is information about relevant treatments in Israel, which are intended to: Relieve symptoms of dementia Including Alzheimer's disease.
| Name of the treatment | Who is it for? | Key benefits | In the medicine basket? | Cost and comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Acetylcholine inhibitors Esterase Rivastigmine (Exelon) Galantamine (Reminyl) |
Patients are diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (sometimes, at the doctor's discretion, even in advanced stages). |
Moderate improvement in memory, attention, and daily functioning. Proposed mechanism : Inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase catalyst, thereby improving cholinergic activity in the brain (compensation for acetylcholine deficiency). Some patients experience improvement and a slowing of the rate of deterioration in cognitive and behavioral functions (for varying periods of time from patient to patient). |
Rivastigmine and donepezil are included in the health basket in Israel. |
Basic deductible sometimes (15–30 NIS per month). Treatment only under the supervision of a specialist. Side effects : decreased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea and sleep disturbances. |
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From Mantine – Memantine |
Patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Sometimes given in combination with a drug from the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor group (see above) |
Improves cognitive, behavioral, and daily functioning , especially in advanced stages. Proposed mechanism: Regulation of the glutamate system in the brain. The drug blocks NMDA receptors in a way that corrects excess glutamate activity, thus aiding learning and memory and reducing impairment in normal function. There are studies showing that adding memantine to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors improves daily functioning in patients suffering from moderate-to-severe dementia, but there are also studies that do not prove this. |
Memantine is not included in the basic drug basket . It is partially included in supplementary insurance frameworks. Health funds sometimes participate in the cost, depending on the supplementary insurance. |
Estimated private cost 120–150 NIS per month for a full dose (20 mg per day). With supplementary insurance, the patient pays about 50% of the price. Treatment only under the supervision of a specialist. Side effects : restlessness, abdominal pain, diarrhea . Prescription and medical monitoring required. |
|
Ginkgo biloba Cerebonin |
Adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia. |
Moderate beneficial effect on cognitive functions, behavior and daily functioning. Proposed mechanism : Improved cerebral blood flow and a balancing effect on neurotransmitter systems (glutamate, dopamine, acetylcholine). |
Not included in the drug basket in Israel. |
Estimated cost: 150–250 NIS per month. Treatment under the supervision of a specialist. Side effects : indigestion, headache. Approved for treatment by the Ministry of Health in Israel, Europe, Asia, and South America. Not approved for use in the US. |
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Antipsychotic medications
Quetiapine (Seroquel) Haloperidol Olanzapine – Olanzepin Brexipiprazole (Rexulti) |
Patients suffering from cognitive decline and dementia accompanied by behavioral symptoms such as aggression, delusions/hallucinations, outbursts, restlessness. |
May improve and reduce behaviors such as restlessness , aggression, and hallucinations. |
Are not included in the health basket for patients suffering from dementia. |
Cost varies between different medications. Treatment should only be done under the supervision of a specialist. Warning : Treatment with antipsychotic medications in patients suffering from dementia increases the risk of stroke, worsening cognitive function, and mortality. |
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Antidepressants and anxiety
SSRIs, such as: Cipralex – Escitalopram Sertraline Prozac – Fluoxetine Remeron – Mirtazapine
SMS: Brintellix -Vortioxetin |
Patients suffering from cognitive decline and dementia accompanied by anxiety , restlessness or mood disorders. |
Improving mood , reducing anxiety, calming. Sometimes has a positive effect on appetite and sleep. |
Included in the medication basket for patients diagnosed with depression or anxiety. |
The cost varies between the different medications. Most are generic and inexpensive (20-80 NIS per month). Treatment is only under the supervision of a specialist. Side effects : Vary between different medications. For example, SSRIs may cause nausea, sleep disturbances, or decreased appetite, while medications like Remeron sometimes cause drowsiness and increased appetite. |
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Sleep medications
Delayed-release melatonin – Circadin Stilnox – Zolpidem Nocturno – Zopiclone
Short-acting benzodiazepines, such as: Bondormin |
Patients suffering from cognitive decline accompanied by sleep disorders ( difficulty falling asleep, inability to maintain uninterrupted sleep, day-night reversal). |
Improving sleep quality. |
The medications are included in a general basket of medications for sleep disorders. |
The cost varies between different medications. Treatment should only be done under the supervision of a specialist. Warning: Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs can cause and worsen confusion and cause falls. It is recommended to use the lowest possible dose for the shortest period of time. |
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Cannabis
CBD-rich cannabis oil with low THC Inflorescences for vaporization in an adjusted dose
A license is required to possess and use cannabis. |
Patients suffering from dementia and behavioral symptoms (aggression, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia), who have not responded to standard drug treatments. |
There is little evidence to support the effectiveness of cannabis treatment for dementia patients. The results of studies in Israel and around the world have yielded conflicting results. |
Not in the drug basket (cannabis is not listed as a drug). There is no government subsidy for the cost of the product. Some health funds offer a discount to those with a license to use it. |
Ongoing cost: 200-400 NIS per month , depending on type and dosage. Side effects : drowsiness, dizziness, confusion. Treatment is recommended and supervised by a specialist (neurologist or psychiatrist) and with the approval of a designated physician. |
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Cognitive training programs
Memory workshops |
People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild or moderate dementia. |
There are studies showing that group or individual cognitive training (through memory exercises, problem-solving, sensory stimulation activities, and more) temporarily improves memory , concentration , language , and daily functioning, contributes to self-confidence, and improves patients' coping with the disease. The effectiveness of these treatments has not been proven with certainty. |
The programs are offered by health organizations and non-profit organizations. |
Cost varies. You should inquire with health funds and non-profit organizations, where the cost is sometimes free or for a nominal fee. Cost of programs Privacy Policy Sometimes hundreds of NIS per month. The EMDA Association runs memory and brain training workshops for people over 60 and people with MCI across the country. |
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Creative and physical therapies
Music and singing therapy Art therapy Occupational Therapy Movement therapy Therapeutic gardening Activities with animals Multi-sensory environments |
Dementia patients at all stages of the disease, including Saudi patients, especially in cases where behavioral disorders, decreased mood, or decreased verbal expression are evident. |
There are reports that these approaches improve the patient's quality of life and emotional state. Music therapy – listening to familiar songs and actively participating in singing – has been shown to reduce depression and improve behavioral disturbances and quality of life in dementia. Music and art evoke old memories and positive emotional responses, even in patients with limited speech. Occupational therapy and adaptation of daily activities help maintain functional abilities over time. Movement therapy and moderate physical activity contribute to improving mood, appetite, and posture. Multisensory environments (such as a Snoezelen room) help calm patients with restlessness and confusion. |
Not in the basket. These services are provided through rehabilitation frameworks, day centers, and non-profit organizations. The Ministry of Health supports some of the programs within the framework of day centers for the mentally ill. |
Variable cost. In day care centers and nursing homes, treatments are usually included in the monthly cost (sometimes subsidized by the state for eligible families). Private treatments may cost 150–300 NIS per session. It is recommended to contact the health insurance fund or nursing home insurance to inquire about eligibility for reimbursement for the treatment. |
Treatments that reduce the risk of dementia
Below is information about Treatments Relevant in Israel, intended Reduce the risk For cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer's disease:
| Name of the treatment | Who is it for? | Key benefits | In the medicine basket? | Cost and comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
guest Life healthy regular physical activity Mediterranean diet Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption |
The general population , including cases in which there are personal and/or family risk factors, and also for those dealing with cognitive decline and dementia. |
It has been found that adopting a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces (up to 30% or more) the risk of developing dementia. Intense aerobic exercise, adherence to a Mediterranean diet, maintaining a healthy weight, balancing blood pressure, balancing diabetes, and quitting smoking have been found to contribute to delaying cognitive decline. |
Not included in the medication basket |
No direct cost. Requires personal discipline and the adoption of healthy habits. Officially recommended by the Ministry of Health and patient organizations in Israel and around the world as a first line of prevention. |
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Brain training
Crossword puzzle solving Solving puzzles Reading and writing Learning a new language Social activity |
The general population , including healthy people, and people suffering from cognitive decline and dementia. |
Maintaining mental activity and engaging in diverse social activities are associated with reducing the risk of dementia and delaying the onset of symptoms. |
Not included in the medication basket |
Free of charge, or at low cost (cost of materials and classes). It is recommended to participate in adult enrichment classes, social gatherings, and fun mental activities on a regular basis. Amda offers, among other things: The Mind – A Cognitive Practice Booklet. |
Notes and clarifications
- Cognitive decline and dementia reflect disease states/processes. They do not express processes of healthy aging.
- As of today, NO Treatment The healer או curfew the progress The various diseases that cause dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease.
- Medical conditions that worsen/accelerate cognitive/behavioral deterioration can be treated, and sometimes even prevent and halt deterioration.
- The goal of the various treatments is to prevent and/or slow the progression of the brain pathologies that cause dementia, thereby mitigating impairments in cognitive functions and behavior and improving the chances that the person dealing with dementia will live independently for a longer period of time.
- Care should be taken that diagnosis and medical treatment be performed only by a specialist.
- During the illness It is important:
- To be helped On the team medical multi Areas (Doctors, social workers, occupational therapists and physiotherapists)
- to build Program Treatment Customized personally For every patient.
- The support of family members and caregivers is an integral part of the patient's treatment and quality of life.
- You can contact the association. EMDA Association and similar organizations for more information, Support Groups and assistance services.
Support and Advice Center *8889
A listening ear and advice for family members and patients. You can call from any phone.