An estimated 6.9 million Americans ages 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer’s diseasethe road to a cure seems long and uncertain.
But as the year draws to a close, experts reflect on some of the hopeful advances in diagnosis, treatment and risk management made in 2024.
The Alzheimer’s Association – a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that advocates Alzheimer’s researchCare and Support – shared the top five discoveries of the year.
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1. Third new Alzheimer’s drug is approved
In 2024, a new drug entered the dementia landscape when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kisunla (donanemab) in July.
This was the third new registration since 2021.
The Alzheimer’s Association – a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s research, care and support – shared its top five discoveries of the year. (iStock)
Kisunla, made by Eli Lilly, is said to “slow disease progression and alter the underlying course of the disease,” according to the association’s press release.
The once monthly injection is intended for adults with early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
This is the first drug to target amyloid plaques – the proteins that build up in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and often impair memory and cognitive function – and there is evidence that therapy must be stopped if amyloid Plaques have been removed, according to a company statement.
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“This is real progress,” said Dr. Joanne Pike, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, in a statement shared with Fox News Digital at the time.
“(This FDA approval) gives people more options and more opportunities to have more time. Having multiple treatment options is the kind of advancement we have all been waiting for.”
2. Blood tests could improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis
This year’s research has helped bring Alzheimer’s blood tests closer to use Doctor’s offices.
Studies have shown that blood tests can achieve greater accuracy in diagnosis, which the Alzheimer’s Association says could help speed up patient access to clinical trials and treatments.
“This is real progress.”
“Blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease show in research that they can significantly improve a doctor’s accuracy and confidence, provide greater accessibility and provide a reason for more communication,” the same source explained.
In a study published this year, a specific blood test showed about 90% accuracy in identifying Alzheimer’s disease in patients with cognitive symptoms Basic care and in specialized memory care clinics, the association said.
3. Individuals and caregivers want more support after diagnosis
People newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers need more support navigating the healthcare system.
That’s according to a 2024 Alzheimer’s Association survey that found 97% of dementia caregivers expressed a desire for these support systems.
In 2024, the first drug was approved that targets amyloid plaques, the proteins that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and often impair memory and cognitive function. (iStock)
A majority of dementia caregivers (70%) also reported that “coordinating care is stressful.”
To address this issue, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched an eight-year dementia care management pilot program in July 2024 called Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE).
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The program aims to work with Health systems According to the Alzheimer’s Association, supportive services are intended to be provided for people with dementia and their caregivers, with a focus on helping patients remain in their homes and communities.
4. Wildfire smoke increases the risk of dementia
Air pollution is linked to an increased risk of dementia, according to a 2024 study.
The 10-year study, presented in July at the Alzheimer’s Association international conference in Philadelphia, found that wildfire smoke can be “particularly dangerous” to people Brain Health.
A 2024 Alzheimer’s Association survey found that 97% of dementia caregivers expressed a desire for these support systems. (iStock)
The study involved more than 1.2 million people in Southern California, an area prone to wildfires.
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Air pollution from wildfires may be more dangerous to health because it occurs at higher temperatures, contains a greater concentration of toxic chemicals and is smaller in diameter than other sources, the Alzheimer’s Association said.
5. Alzheimer’s causes physical changes in the brain
In June 2024, scientists and clinicians published research showing physical changes that occur in the brain due to Alzheimer’s disease.
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“Defining disease based on biology is common in many areas of medicine – including cancer, heart disease and diabetes,” wrote the Alzheimer’s Association.
In June 2024, scientists and clinicians published research showing physical changes that occur in the brain due to Alzheimer’s disease. (iStock)
“The new paper defines Alzheimer’s as a biological process that begins with brain changes before people show memory and thinking problems.”
These brain changes have been found to precede typical outward symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and difficulty planning or organizing.
For more health articles, see www.foxnews.com/health
For additional research and support resources from the Alzheimer’s Association, visit www.alz.org.
