An estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older currently live in Alzheimer’s diseasethe road to healing seemed long and uncertain.

But as 2024 comes to an end, experts are reflecting on some promising advances in diagnosis, treatment and risk management in 2024.

Alzheimer’s Association – a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s Researchcare and support – shares five of this year’s biggest findings.

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1. Third new Alzheimer’s drug approved

In 2024, a new drug entered the dementia field with the approval of Kisunla (donanemab) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July.

This is the third new approval since 2021.

The Alzheimer’s Association, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to Alzheimer’s research, care and support, shared five of this year’s major discoveries. (iStock)

Kisunla, made by Eli Lilly and Company, is designed to “slow disease progression and alter the underlying course of the disease,” according to the association’s news release.

this Inject once a month For adults with early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

A press release from the company said it is the first drug to target amyloid plaques, proteins that accumulate in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease and often impair memory and cognitive function. Evidence supports stopping treatment after amyloid plaques have been removed.

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“This is real progress,” Alzheimer’s Association President and CEO Dr. Joanne Pike said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital at the time.

“(FDA) approval gives people more choices and more access, more time. Having multiple treatment options is the advancement we’ve been waiting for.”

2. Blood tests can improve diagnostic speed and accuracy

This year’s research brings Alzheimer’s blood test closer to being used doctor’s office.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, research shows that blood tests can lead to greater diagnostic accuracy, which could help patients quickly access clinical trials and treatments.

“This is real progress.”

“Research shows that blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease can significantly improve clinician accuracy and confidence, providing greater access and more reasons to communicate,” the same source said.

One study reported this year showed that a specific blood test was about 90% accurate at identifying Alzheimer’s disease in patients with cognitive symptoms. primary care and in specialized memory care clinics, as determined by the association.

3. Individuals and caregivers need more support after diagnosis

People newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers need more support in 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 these support systems.

In 2024, the first drug was approved to target amyloid plaques, the proteins that form in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease and often impair memory and cognitive function. (iStock)

The majority of dementia caregivers (70%) also noted that “coordinating care is stressful”.

To help address this issue, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services launched an eight-year dementia care management pilot program in July 2024 called the Guidance Improving the Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model.

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This program is designed to work with healthcare system Provides support services to 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. Wildfire smoke increases risk of dementia

Air pollution is linked to an increased risk of dementia, according to 2024 research.

The 10-year study, presented in July at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia, found wildfire smoke to be “particularly dangerous” to humans. brain health.

A 2024 Alzheimer’s Association survey found that 97% 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 with high wildfire activity.

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The Alzheimer’s Association says air pollution from wildfires may be more harmful to health because it produces higher temperatures, contains higher concentrations of toxic chemicals and is smaller in diameter than other sources.

5. Alzheimer’s causes physical changes in the brain

In June 2024, scientists and clinicians published research showing that Alzheimer’s disease causes physical changes in the brain.

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“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.

In June 2024, scientists and clinicians published research showing that Alzheimer’s disease causes physical changes in the brain. (iStock)

“The new publication defines Alzheimer’s disease as a biological process that begins with changes in the brain before people show problems with memory and thinking.”

Studies have found that these brain changes precede the onset of typical outward symptoms, such as memory loss, confusion, disorientation and difficulty with planning or organizing.

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For additional research and support resources from the Alzheimer’s Disease Association, visit www.alz.org.