This invention relates to the treatment of Alzheimers disease, the reduction of the progression of Alzheimers disease, and the alleviation of symptoms of Alzheimers disease by administering ApoA-1 Milano based therapies to provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid depleting effects to brain tissue. In particular embodiments, the method comprises administering a composition comprising an rAAV vector encoding ApoA-1 Milano or an active fragment thereof, to a mammal having Alzheimers disease or a symptom of Alzheimers disease.