How much does Alzheimer’s treatment cost in Turkey
Alzheimer’s treatment begins with a diagnostic work-up, which costs £1,300 to £2,200 in Turkey. The price varies from one facility to another. A neurology consultation there costs between £85 and £190. In the UK, this work-up is generally covered by the NHS[1].
| Specialist consultation | £85 - £190 |
| Brain MRI | £215 - £430 |
| CT scan | £130 - £300 |
| Electroencephalography | £130 - £345 |
| Full diagnostic work-up | £1,300 - £2,200 |
When it comes to covering the cost, it is worth checking what your own situation entitles you to. In the UK, the NHS is the body to contact and it can tell you what is available to you.
Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease is a condition of the brain that affects millions of people worldwide, making day-to-day life increasingly difficult for patients and those around them.
Early management of this disease is crucial to slow the progression of this type of dementia and improve the quality of life of those affected.
With its advanced medical infrastructure and its internationally recognised expertise, Turkey is emerging as a leading destination for Alzheimer’s treatment.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease involves a progressive degeneration of neurons. This neurodegenerative disease first affects the neurons of the hippocampus, a brain structure essential for memory and learning, located in the temporal lobe.
The degeneration attributed to Alzheimer’s disease is caused by changes in two brain molecules:
- Beta-amyloid peptide, by accumulating abnormally, creates amyloid plaques that are toxic to nerve cells.
- Tau protein: once modified, it disorganises neurons and invades them with harmful filaments.
According to the World Health Organization, Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for 60% to 70% of cases of dementia[2].
This disease mainly affects older people (65 and over), with women noticeably more affected than men. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for patients to be diagnosed at a younger age.
Short-term memory is the first to be affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
At an advanced stage, however, once the disease has spread throughout the brain, it affects other cognitive functions linked to language, learning and reasoning.
A physical decline leading to disability and dependence, together with significant psychiatric symptoms, requires comprehensive medical care.
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What are the signs of early Alzheimer’s?
The first signs of Alzheimer’s disease, often subtle, can be put down to normal ageing.
Here, however, are some telltale signs:
- Memory problems such as forgetting recent information or important events, or struggling to find simple words;
- Difficulty planning or managing familiar tasks, or solving problems;
- Getting lost or disoriented (in space and/or time), such as losing your way in familiar places;
- Changes in mood or behaviour (irritability, anxiety, depression).
If these symptoms appear and cause all sorts of daily difficulties, it is important to see a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment.
What are the 3 stages of Alzheimer’s disease?
Because Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative condition, the symptoms develop and multiply over time as the disease worsens.
The progression of this form of dementia, classified into three stages, is marked by various symptoms:
- Mild stage: only the area of the brain managing short-term memory is affected. This early phase leads to increasingly frequent forgetfulness;
- Moderate stage: various areas of the brain are affected. This intermediate phase is marked by a loss of independence and difficulty recognising loved ones;
- Severe stage: the brain damage is multiple and widespread. This terminal phase is characterised by language problems, a total loss of independence and memory, and the onset of hallucinations.
Symptoms clearly vary from one patient to another, and may overlap or be more pronounced in some people.
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Which tests detect Alzheimer’s disease in Turkey?
Unfortunately, there is no reliable test for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
During a neurology consultation combined with a physical and mental examination, the specialist questions the patient and those close to them. This allows other possible causes of the symptoms to be ruled out. At the same time, the specialist takes a medical history (personal and family).
Screening for Alzheimer’s disease then involves several tests:
- Neuropsychological tests: these assess certain neurological functions (memory, carrying out simple tasks, reflexes) and detect cognitive problems;
- Laboratory tests: blood tests and a lumbar puncture measure markers (beta-amyloid and tau proteins);
- EEG (electroencephalogram): only recommended depending on the clinical context, for example in the event of a seizure or suspected encephalitis[3];
- Medical imaging: CT scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): this can identify brain shrinkage, particularly of the hippocampi, and rule out another cause of the symptoms. A PET scan can complete the work-up to show reduced activity in the affected areas[1].
Alzheimer’s disease treatments in Turkey
Treatment options are decided by the neurologist according to various criteria: the patient’s age; their other conditions; how advanced the disease is.
At present, no treatment or surgery can cure people with Alzheimer’s. However, various therapeutic approaches can be put in place to slow the process:
- Medical treatment: this aims to reduce, or even eliminate, symptoms, and to slow the progression of the disease.
The doctor may prescribe one of the 4 medicines currently available on the market: donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) and memantine. These remain available but are no longer reimbursed in France, where the HAS judged their effectiveness to be “at best, modest”[4][5]. In the UK, NICE has reached a similar conclusion for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS): a non-invasive technique still under study in patients with mild to moderate disease. A meta-analysis of three controlled trials, involving 84 patients, shows no significant improvement in global cognition with ultrasound stimulation, including TPS[6].
- Psychiatric therapy: this aims to reduce behavioural problems while taking into account the psychological impact of the disease;
- Rehabilitation therapy: this helps preserve functional abilities for as long as possible.
- Setting up physical and mental activities to improve the quality of life of the patient and those around them.
Are the new anti-amyloid antibodies effective?
Lecanemab and donanemab slow the decline without stopping it: over around 18 months, the difference from placebo is 0.45 points and 0.67 points on an 18-point scale[7][8]. A meta-analysis of 23,202 participants concludes that neither reaches the threshold for a clinically perceptible effect[9].
They carry a risk of brain swelling (ARIA) that is around ten times more frequent than with placebo[9]. The European Medicines Agency has only approved them for the early stage, for some patients and with monitoring MRI scans[10][11]. In France, lecanemab is not reimbursed[12].
Managing Alzheimer’s disease requires regular follow-up by the medical team. This makes it possible to adapt the treatment if side effects occur, while monitoring the patient’s progress or the course of the disease.
Which are the best Istanbul hospitals for Alzheimer’s treatment?
The Istanbul metropolitan area, straddling the iconic Bosphorus strait, is home to many facilities known for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Some are recognised worldwide for their high-quality care and advanced technology.
These include, among others:
- Memorial Şişli Hospital;
- NPISTANBUL Brain Hospital;
- Hisar Intercontinental Hospital;
- Medipol Mega University Hospital;
- Florence Nightingale Hospitals.
Why choose Istanbul for Alzheimer’s treatment?
Thanks to its location between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a highly popular destination for medical tourism.
Opting for a renowned Istanbul hospital for Alzheimer’s care means accessing advanced medical treatment, but at the patient’s own expense: in France, examinations and care related to the disease are covered 100% as a long-term condition[1].
Many healthcare facilities in Istanbul are internationally certified by JCI (Joint Commission International) or accredited to ISO standards. These labels attest to compliance with quality of care and patient safety standards.
These hospitals and clinics bring together specialist expertise and the latest equipment, while offering personalised and effective care.
In addition, to limit travel for their international patients, some neurologists even offer video consultations.
What is more, the former Constantinople offers medical travellers and their carers a rich and varied experience. In this metropolis where history and modernity sit side by side, getting around is easy thanks to the many urban transport options.
With its temperate climate and its proximity to the sea, Istanbul offers a calming and restorative setting for those affected and their loved ones seeking quality medical care.
This coastal city offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to affordable apartments, allowing everyone to find a place suited to their needs and budget during a medical trip.
Frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease in Turkey
How can Alzheimer’s disease be prevented?
Adopting the healthiest possible lifestyle (a balanced, high-quality diet, regular physical and cognitive activity) and staying socially involved are the main pieces of advice given to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
What is the cost of Alzheimer’s treatment in Turkey?
In Turkey, the diagnostic work-up for Alzheimer’s disease costs £1,300 to £2,200. The cost of treatment then depends on the medicines and follow-up prescribed. In the UK, the NHS is the body to contact to find out what support may be available in your situation.
What is the life expectancy of someone with Alzheimer’s disease?
Like any serious condition, Alzheimer’s disease reduces the life expectancy of those affected. It varies greatly from one patient to another and depends above all on the patient’s overall state of health and the care they receive.
Does Alzheimer’s disease progress quickly?
The progression of Alzheimer’s disease varies from one person to another. However, the age at which the first symptoms appear influences it. No typical duration can be given: only regular neurological follow-up can assess the pace specific to each patient.
How can the progression of Alzheimer’s disease be slowed?
No medicine stops the progression of the disease[4], but the patient’s family and friends also play a crucial role. This practical and emotional support, combined with regular stimulating activities, helps preserve the patient’s independence.
Can Alzheimer’s disease be cured?
At present, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Existing medicines modestly ease some symptoms, and anti-amyloid antibodies slightly slow the decline without stopping it[9].
Is treatment in Turkey covered by the NHS?
No, except in specific cases. Planned treatment abroad is not routinely funded by the NHS, and any request has to go through an individual funding request. It is best to check your own situation directly with the NHS. See our guide to medical tourism in Turkey.
Sources & References
- Assurance Maladie. Symptômes et diagnostic de la maladie d’Alzheimer. ameli.fr. 2025. View the source
- Organisation mondiale de la Santé. Démence, principaux repères. 2026. View the source
- Haute Autorité de Santé. Maladie d’Alzheimer et maladies apparentées : diagnostic et prise en charge. Recommandation de bonne pratique. 2011. View the source
- Assurance Maladie. Maladie d’Alzheimer : traitement et rôle des aidants. ameli.fr. 2025. View the source
- Haute Autorité de Santé. Médicaments de la maladie d’Alzheimer : un intérêt médical insuffisant pour justifier leur prise en charge par la solidarité nationale. 2017. View the source
- Abdellatif AI, Elsharab A, Moubarak ES, et al. Focused and unfocused transcranial ultrasound stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease : a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Neurological Sciences. 2026. View the source
- van Dyck CH, Swanson CJ, Aisen P, et al. Lecanemab in early Alzheimer’s disease. New England Journal of Medicine. 2023. View the source
- Sims JR, Zimmer JA, Evans CD, et al. Donanemab in early symptomatic Alzheimer disease : the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2023. View the source
- Ebell MH, Barry HC, Baduni K, Grasso G. Clinically important benefits and harms of monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloid for the treatment of Alzheimer disease : a systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Family Medicine. 2024. View the source
- Agence européenne du médicament. Leqembi recommended for treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease. 2024. View the source
- Agence européenne du médicament. Kisunla (donanemab) : outcome of re-examination. 2025. View the source
- Haute Autorité de Santé. LEQEMBI (lécanémab). 2025. View the source
- Assurance Maladie. Soins programmés à l’étranger : votre prise en charge. ameli.fr. 2026. View the source
