Currently, an estimated 6.9 million Americans over the age of 65 live with Alzheimer's disease, and the road to a cure appears long and uncertain.
But as the year draws to a close, experts are reflecting on some of the hopeful advances in diagnosis, treatment and risk management that will be made in 2024.
The Alzheimer's Association, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to Alzheimer's disease research, care, and support, shared its top five significant discoveries of the year.
1. Third new Alzheimer's drug approved
In 2024, a new drug entered the dementia field with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving Kisunra (donanemab) in July.
This is the third new approval since 2021.
Kisunra, manufactured by Eli Lilly, is intended to “slow the progression and alter the fundamental course of the disease,” according to a press release from the association.
The once-monthly injection is intended for adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease.
This is the first drug to target amyloid plaques (proteins that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and often impair memory and cognitive function), making it possible to stop treatment once the plaques have been cleared. The company's release states that there is evidence to support this claim.
“This is real progress,” Dr. Joanne Pike, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, said in a statement shared with FOX News Digital at the time.
“[This FDA] Recognition gives people the opportunity to have more choices and more time. Having multiple treatment options is an advancement we have all been waiting for. ”
2. Blood tests may improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis
Research this year brings a blood test for Alzheimer's disease closer to use in the clinic.
The Alzheimer's Association says research has shown that blood tests have higher diagnostic accuracy, which could mean faster access for patients to clinical trials and treatments.
“Studies demonstrate that blood tests for Alzheimer's disease can significantly improve clinician accuracy and confidence, be more accessible and spark more communication,” the same source said. said.
In one study reported this year, a specific blood test for identifying Alzheimer's disease in patients with cognitive symptoms seen in primary care and memory clinics was about 90% accurate, the association said.
3. Individuals and caregivers want more support after diagnosis
People newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers need additional support navigating the healthcare system.
This is because a 2024 Alzheimer's Association survey found that 97% of dementia caregivers want such a support system.
The majority of dementia caregivers (70%) also say that coordinating care is stressful.
To address this, in July 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services launched an eight-year pilot program in dementia care management. This program is called the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, the program aims to work with health systems to provide support services to people with dementia and their caregivers, with a focus on helping patients remain in their homes and communities. It is said that there is a
4. Wildfire smoke increases risk of dementia
A 2024 study found that air pollution is associated with an increased risk of dementia.
The 10-year study, presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Philadelphia in July, found that wildfire smoke can be “particularly harmful” to brain health.
The study involved more than 1.2 million people in Southern California, where wildfires are common.
The Alzheimer's Association says air pollution from wildfires can pose a greater health risk because it is produced at higher temperatures, has higher concentrations of toxic chemicals, and is smaller in diameter than other sources. Ta.
5. Alzheimer's disease causes physical changes in the brain
In June 2024, scientists and clinicians published a study showing the physical changes that occur in the brain due to Alzheimer's disease.
“Defining disease by biology has long been the standard in many areas of medicine, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes,” the Alzheimer's Association writes.
“A new publication defines Alzheimer's disease as a biological process that begins with changes in the brain before people show memory or thinking problems.”
These brain changes were found to occur before typical outward symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and difficulty planning and organizing.
Additional research and support resources from the Alzheimer's Association can be found at www.alz.org.
