With an estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 or older currently living with Alzheimer's diseaseThe road to a cure seems long and uncertain.
But as the year comes to a close, experts reflect on some of the hopeful advances in diagnosis, treatment and risk management that will be made in 2024.
Alzheimer's Association – A committed Chicago-based non-profit organization Alzheimer's researchCare and support – I shared my top five important discoveries of the year.
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1. A third new Alzheimer's drug has been approved
2024 saw a new drug enter the dementia arena, with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving Kisonla (donanemab) in July.
This was the third new approval since 2021.
The Alzheimer's Association — a Chicago-based nonprofit organization committed to Alzheimer's disease research, care, and support — shared its top five important discoveries of the year. (Istock)
Kisonla, made by Eli Lilly, is designed to “slow the progression of the disease and change the basic course of the disease,” according to the association’s press release.
the Injections once a month Intended for adults with early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
This is the first drug to target amyloid plaques — proteins that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, which often impair memory and cognitive function — with evidence supporting stopping treatment when amyloid plaques are cleared, a company statement said.
“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.
“FDA approval gives people more choices and a greater opportunity to have more time. Having multiple treatment options available is the kind of progress we've all been waiting for.”
2. Blood tests can improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis
Research this year has helped bring blood tests for Alzheimer's disease closer to use Doctors' offices.
Studies have shown that blood tests can achieve higher diagnostic accuracy, which may help speed patients' access to clinical trials and treatments, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
“This is real progress.”
The same source stated, “Blood tests for Alzheimer's disease show in research that they can significantly improve physician accuracy and confidence, providing greater access and reason for greater communication.”
In one study published this year, a specific blood test was approximately 90% accurate in identifying Alzheimer's disease in patients with the same cognitive symptoms seen in them. Primary care And in specialized memory care clinics, according to the association.
3. Individuals and caregivers want more support after diagnosis
People newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers need more support in navigating the health care system.
That's according to a 2024 Alzheimer's Association survey, which found that 97% of dementia caregivers expressed a desire for such support systems.
2024 saw the approval of the first drug that targets amyloid plaques, proteins that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and often impair memory and cognitive function. (Istock)
The majority of dementia caregivers (70%) also indicated that “coordinating care is stressful.”
To help address this issue, in July 2024 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched an eight-year pilot program in dementia care management, called the Guiding Enhanced Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model.
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The program is intended to work with Health care systems To provide supportive services for people with dementia and their caregivers, with a focus on helping patients remain in their homes and communities, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
4. Forest fire smoke increases the risk of dementia
Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, according to 2024 research.
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” to humans. Brain health.
A 2024 Alzheimer's Association survey found that 97% of dementia caregivers expressed a desire for such support systems. (Istock)
The research 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 reports that air pollution from wildfires can be more dangerous to health because it is produced at higher temperatures, contains a greater concentration of toxic chemicals, and is smaller in diameter than other sources.
5. Alzheimer's disease causes physical changes in the brain
In June 2024, scientists and doctors published research that demonstrated the physical changes that occur in the brain due to Alzheimer's disease.
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“Defining diseases through biology has long been a standard in many areas of medicine – including cancer, My heart disease The Alzheimer's Association wrote.
In June 2024, scientists and doctors published research that demonstrated the physical changes that occur in the brain due to Alzheimer's disease. (Istock)
“The new publication defines Alzheimer's disease as a biological process that begins with changes in the brain before people develop problems with memory and thinking.”
These brain changes have been found to come before typical external symptoms, such as memory loss, disorientation, disorientation, and problems with planning or organizing.
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Additional research and support resources from the Alzheimer's Association can be found at www.alz.org.
