An estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older are currently living. Alzheimer’s diseasethe path to healing seems long and uncertain.
But as the year draws to a close, experts are looking at some promising developments in diagnosis, treatment and risk management in 2024.
Alzheimer’s Association – A nonprofit organization based in Chicago Alzheimer’s researchcare and support — shared their top five discoveries of the year.
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1. Third new Alzheimer’s drug approved
A new drug entered the dementia scene in 2024, as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kisunla (donanemab) in July.
This was the third new approval since 2021.
The Alzheimer’s Association — a Chicago-based nonprofit organization committed to Alzheimer’s research, care and support — shared its top five discoveries of the year. (iStock)
Kisunla, made by Eli Lilly, is designed to “slow progression and reverse the underlying course of the disease,” according to the association’s press release.
gave A once monthly injection Intended for adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease.
It is the first drug to target amyloid plaques — proteins that build up in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, which often impair memory and cognitive function — with evidence that The therapy helps to stop the amyloid plaques being removed.
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“This is real progress,” Alzheimer’s Association President and CEO Dr. Joan Pike said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital at the time.
“[This FDA] Approval gives people more options and more opportunity to get more time. Having multiple treatment options is the kind of development we’ve all been waiting for.”
2. Blood tests can improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis.
Research this year has helped bring an Alzheimer’s blood test closer to being used. Doctors’ offices.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, studies show that blood tests can achieve higher diagnostic accuracy, which could help patients access clinical trials and treatments faster.
“This is real progress.”
“Blood tests for Alzheimer’s are showing in research that they can significantly improve clinician accuracy and confidence, provide greater access and lead to greater communication,” the same source said. .
In a study reported this year, a specific blood test was about 90 percent accurate at identifying Alzheimer’s in patients with cognitive symptoms. Basic care And in specialty memory care clinics, according to the association.
3. Individuals and carers seek further support after diagnosis.
People newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers need more help navigating the health care system.
That’s according to a 2024 Alzheimer’s Association survey, which found that 97 percent of dementia caregivers expressed a desire for these support systems.
2024 saw the approval of the first drug targeting amyloid plaques, proteins that build up in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients and often impair memory and cognitive function. (iStock)
A majority (70%) of dementia caregivers also noted that “the coordination of caregiving is stressful.”
To help address this, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services launched an eight-year pilot program in dementia care management in July 2024, called the Guiding a Better Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model.
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The purpose of the program is to work. Health care systems To provide support services to people living with dementia and their caregivers, with a focus on helping patients remain in their homes and communities, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
4. Wildfire smoke increases risk of dementia.
According to a 2024 study, air pollution is linked to an increased risk of dementia.
The 10-year study, which was presented during the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia in July, found that wildfire smoke can be “particularly dangerous.” Brain health.
A 2024 Alzheimer’s Association survey found that 97 percent of dementia caregivers expressed a desire for these support systems. (iStock)
The study included more than 1.2 million people in Southern California, an area that experiences frequent wildfire activity.
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The Alzheimer’s Association said air pollution from wildfires can be more dangerous to health because it is produced at higher temperatures, contains higher concentrations of toxic chemicals and is smaller in diameter than other sources. It happens.
5. Alzheimer’s causes physical changes in the brain.
In June 2024, scientists and clinicians published research showing the physiological changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
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“The definition of disease by biology has long been standard in many areas of medicine – including cancer, Heart disease and diabetes,” the Alzheimer’s Association wrote.
In June 2024, scientists and clinicians published research showing the physiological changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer’s disease. (iStock)
“The new publication describes Alzheimer’s as a biological process that begins with brain changes before people show memory and thinking problems.”
These brain changes were found before the usual outward symptoms, such as memory loss, confusion, disorientation and trouble planning or organizing.
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Additional research and support resources from the Alzheimer’s Association can be found at www.alz.org.