Treatments
Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) for Alzheimer's agitation
Brexpiprazole became the first FDA-approved medication for Alzheimer's-related agitation in 2023. It's helpful for some — but it's a serious medication.
Updated 2026-02-20
What it does
Brexpiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic that, in trials, reduced agitation scores in Alzheimer's. Effects are modest. Side effects are real.
Before reaching for it
- Rule out infection, pain, and constipation.
- Try environmental + behavioral interventions for several weeks.
- Audit current medications for anticholinergic burden.
- Discuss the boxed warning — increased mortality in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Rexulti better than older antipsychotics like Risperdal?
- It's the only one specifically FDA-approved for this use. Comparison studies are limited.
Every dementia journey is different.
Memory Lane Care helps you understand what applies to your loved one, what to expect next, and which resources fit your family's situation.
Related across the journey
Memory Lane connects every part of dementia care. Here's how this topic threads into the rest.
Behavior Guidance
GUIDE
Keep reading
Behavior Guidance
Agitation — what's underneath, and what calms it
Agitation in dementia is usually a signal of unmet need — pain, hunger, full bladder, fear — that the person can't put into words. The path through is detective work, not arguing.
Behavior Guidance
Aggression — staying safe, staying connected
Physical aggression in dementia is almost always a panic response, not a personality change. Knowing the difference keeps both of you safe.
Learning
Alzheimer's vs dementia — what's the difference?
Dementia describes the symptoms. Alzheimer's is one specific disease that causes them — the most common one, but not the only one.
Learning
Lewy body dementia
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the third most common dementia. It shows up differently — visual hallucinations, sleep behaviors, Parkinson-like stiffness — and is dangerous to treat with the wrong medications.
Learning
Dementia medications
No medication cures dementia. Several slow decline modestly, two slow disease progression in early Alzheimer's, and many treat behavioral symptoms. Setting expectations matters.
Learning
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a decline in memory, thinking, or behavior serious enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a normal part of aging.
GUIDE
Am I eligible for Medicare GUIDE?
GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) is a Medicare program launched in 2024 that gives families a care navigator, 24/7 helpline, caregiver training, and up to $2,500/year in respite — all at no copay.
Treatments
Lecanemab (Leqembi)
Lecanemab is one of the first FDA-approved infusions that clears amyloid plaques from the brain. It's not a cure — it slows decline modestly in early Alzheimer's.