Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Health Topics

Advancements and Hope During National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

German psychiatrist Dr. Alois Alzheimer discovered Alzheimer's disease in 1906. He had a patient named Auguste Deter who suffered from memory loss, paranoia, and other psychological changes. After Deter died, Alzheimer examined her brain and found abnormal deposits and shrinkage around nerve cells, which are now known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Every November, National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month draws attention to a condition that affects millions of lives and families across the United States. Established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, this observance aims to increase awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, highlight advancements in research, and inspire hope for a future free from its devastating effects.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases worldwide. It is a progressive neurological disorder that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior, ultimately making it difficult for individuals to carry out daily activities. Today, over 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s, a number projected to nearly double by 2050 without medical breakthroughs 【1】【2】.


The disease also places a significant burden on caregivers and the healthcare system, with Alzheimer’s care costs reaching an estimated $345 billion in 2023 in the U.S. alone 【1】.

Advancements in Alzheimer’s Research

Recent years have brought promising developments in Alzheimer’s research, offering hope to millions of patients and families:

  1. New Treatment Approvals
    In 2021, the FDA approved Aducanumab (Aduhelm), the first drug targeting amyloid plaques—a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease—in nearly two decades. This was followed by the approval of Lecanemab (Leqembi) in 2023, another amyloid-targeting therapy that has shown promise in slowing cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients 【3】【4】.
  2. Breakthroughs in Biomarkers
    Advances in diagnostic tools, such as amyloid PET scans and blood tests for beta-amyloid and tau proteins, allow for earlier and more accurate detection of Alzheimer’s. Early diagnosis is crucial for treatment effectiveness and planning 【5】.
  3. Lifestyle and Risk Reduction Studies
    Research suggests that lifestyle modifications, including regular physical activity, a heart-healthy diet, cognitive training, and social engagement, may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Studies like the U.S. POINTER trial are currently investigating these interventions further 【6】.
  4. The Role of Genetics
    Progress in genetic research, particularly the identification of risk genes like APOE-e4, has deepened our understanding of Alzheimer’s mechanisms and paved the way for targeted therapies 【7】.
  5. The Promise of Precision Medicine
    Precision medicine approaches, which tailor treatments based on a person’s genetic makeup and disease stage, are emerging as a powerful tool in Alzheimer’s research. Personalized interventions could transform the way the disease is treated 【8】.

Hopes for the Future

As research continues to gain momentum, several developments inspire hope for an Alzheimer’s-free future:

  • Disease-Modifying Treatments: Researchers aim to develop drugs that not only slow disease progression but also repair damage caused by Alzheimer’s.
  • Preventative Strategies: With a deeper understanding of lifestyle and genetic risk factors, prevention strategies may soon become as common as treatments.
  • Global Collaboration: International initiatives like the World Dementia Council and funding from organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association have fostered collaboration and increased resources for research.
  • Brain Health Equity: Efforts to address disparities in Alzheimer’s research and care, particularly in underserved communities, are gaining traction. Inclusive studies will ensure that advancements benefit all populations 【9】.

Raising Awareness and Supporting Families

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month also emphasizes the importance of supporting families and caregivers, who often bear the emotional and physical challenges of the disease. Resources like the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) and local support groups offer vital assistance to those affected.

What Can You Do?

  • Get Informed: Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and resources for Alzheimer’s is a crucial first step.
  • Advocate: Support policies and funding for Alzheimer’s research and caregiving services.
  • Participate: Consider joining clinical trials or supporting research organizations to help advance scientific discoveries.
  • Care for Caregivers: Recognize and support the caregivers in your life—they are the unsung heroes in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer's discovery was a major breakthrough in understanding neurodegenerative disorders. He set a new standard for relating symptoms to physical brain changes by establishing close relationships with his patients and using new scientific tools. While Alzheimer’s disease remains a formidable challenge, advancements in research and care provide renewed hope for patients and families. This November, let us not only raise awareness about the disease but also commit to supporting those affected and championing the quest for a cure.

Together, we can move closer to a world where Alzheimer’s is a memory of the past.

References

  1. Alzheimer’s Association. (2023). 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Retrieved from alz.org.
  2. CDC. (2023). Healthy Aging: Alzheimer’s Disease. Retrieved from cdc.gov.
  3. FDA. (2021). FDA Approves Aducanumab for Alzheimer’s Disease. Retrieved from fda.gov.
  4. Alzheimer’s Association. (2023). Lecanemab Approval News. Retrieved from alz.org.
  5. NIH. Advancements in Alzheimer’s Biomarkers. Retrieved from nih.gov.
  6. U.S. POINTER. Study on Lifestyle Interventions. Retrieved from alzheimers.gov.
  7. Genetics Home Reference. APOE Gene and Alzheimer’s Disease. Retrieved from ghr.nlm.nih.gov.
  8. Mayo Clinic. Precision Medicine in Alzheimer’s Care. Retrieved from mayoclinic.org.
  9. World Dementia Council. Equity in Alzheimer’s Research. Retrieved from worlddementiacouncil.org.

More Stories

Health Is Wealth: The Hidden Cost of a Toxic Food Supply

Columnist Michelle Pettes encourages us to prioritize our overall health and well-being.

iStock / David Prado

Health Is Wealth: The Hidden Cost of a Toxic Food Supply

“A person who has their health has a thousand dreams. A person who is unhealthy has but one.”

Health is the foundation upon which all dreams are built. Without it, aspirations fade, replaced by the singular desire to regain what has been lost. Nowhere is this more relevant than in the African American community, where systemic barriers, economic disadvantages, and a toxic food supply fuel a crisis of diet-related diseases that shackle generations to illness and dependency.

Keep ReadingShow less
10,000 Steps a Day? Here’s What Science Really Says About How Many Steps Daily to Take

10,000 Steps a Day? Here’s What Science Really Says About How Many Steps Daily to Take

The notion of taking 10,000 steps a day has been considered the goal of physical exercise for the last decade. This makes sense considering this number is promoted by so many fitness trackers, health applications, and wellness programs. But now researchers are contemplating whether we truly need to reach 10,000 steps or if there is a more realistic target. If current research is any indication, we might be surprised.

The 10,000 steps goal was first conceived in Japan during the 1960s when an attempt was made to market a pedometer called “Manpo-kei,” which translates to the 10,000-step meter. The goal of selling these pedometers was to increase health and fitness, so naturally the estimate of 10,000 became an industry standard – despite the lack of scientific evidence.

Keep ReadingShow less
Breaking Generational Health Patterns—One Choice at a Time

Breaking Generational Health Patterns—One Choice at a Time

Health means more than just not being sick; it's a lifelong process that genes, lifestyle, surroundings, and culture all affect. Many families hand down not only customs and beliefs but also health patterns, some good, others bad. These deep-rooted behaviors have an impact on everything from what we eat and how we exercise to how we handle stress and bounce back from tough times. Recognizing these patterns and choosing to change them can improve not just our well-being but also the health of our kids and grandkids.

Getting out of bad health habits needs you to notice, learn, and do something about them. A lot of the health problems we face now, like diabetes, heart issues, and mental struggles, aren't just because of our genes. Our way of life and the things we've picked up along the way have a big impact on them too. This is where repeated health behaviors come in. When people see health patterns in their family, they can choose to start healthier routines. This can lead to a better future for their kids and grandkids.

Keep ReadingShow less
A Deadly E. coli Outbreak Spread Across 15 States — and the FDA Kept Us in the Dark
File:FDA Sign & Bldg 21 at Entrance (5204602349).jpg - Wikimedia ...

A Deadly E. coli Outbreak Spread Across 15 States — and the FDA Kept Us in the Dark

As Americans continue to trust that the food on their plates is safe, troubling revelations suggest that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may be keeping critical information under wraps. Multiple E. coli outbreaks have sickened dozens—some severely—while the agency has withheld key details such as food sources, affected regions, and even the names of implicated suppliers. In a system built on public trust and transparency, these omissions raise urgent questions: Why is the FDA staying silent, and what are the consequences for consumers?

Delayed Disclosures and Withheld Information

In December 2024, the FDA acknowledged an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that affected at least 67 people. Despite initiating traceback efforts, the agency failed to disclose key details such as where the cases occurred or which foods were being investigated.

Keep ReadingShow less
No, Vaccines Don’t Cause Autism. But the Lie Is Still Spreading
text
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

No, Vaccines Don’t Cause Autism. But the Lie Is Still Spreading

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary, the myth that vaccines cause autism remains one of the most damaging health misconceptions of our time. Somehow, no matter how many scientific studies are conducted, no matter how many papers are published, and no matter how much correct information is spread, "vaccines cause autism" is too widely accepted. The origin of this belief is rooted in a discredited study, but its consequences have rippled through society for decades—undermining public trust, sparking outbreaks of preventable diseases, and endangering countless lives.

The Origins of the Vaccine-Autism Myth

The modern iteration of this myth began in 1998 with a study published by Andrew Wakefield in The Lancet, which suggested a link between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism in children (Wakefield et al., 1998). The study was based on just 12 children, lacked a control group, and relied on anecdotal parental reports. It was later revealed that Wakefield had financial conflicts of interest and had manipulated the data.

Keep ReadingShow less
×