Ask a Doc: What’s New in Alzheimer’s Detection and Care

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s most recent annual report, an estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease — and that number is projected to reach nearly 13 million by 2050. One in three older adults dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, and it causes more deaths than breast and prostate cancer combined.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about this prevalent and devastating disease. In this month’s Ask a Doc column, Boca Grande Health Clinic’s Raymond A. James, D.O., discusses what we currently understand about Alzheimer’s, from new diagnostic tools to promising research and practical prevention tips. Catching Alzheimer’s early can lead to better care and more treatment options. Click here to read about the signs.

Who is most at risk for Alzheimer’s disease?

A big risk factor is age. While Alzheimer’s isn’t a normal part of aging, the risk increases significantly as we grow older. Most people with the disease are 65 or older, and nearly three-quarters are 75 or older, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Women are disproportionately affected, making up almost two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s. Genetics, family history, and chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can also increase risk. A gene called APOE-e4, for example, is linked to a higher likelihood of developing the disease, though it doesn’t mean someone will definitely develop it.

It’s also important to recognize that older Black Americans are about twice as likely, and older Hispanic Americans about one and a half times as likely, to develop Alzheimer’s or other dementias compared to older White adults. And while much less common, Alzheimer’s can affect younger adults. About 200,000 Americans under age 65 are living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s.

What are the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s typically starts with subtle memory changes that progress over time. Symptoms vary from person to person, but often include confusion, difficulty with daily tasks, or changes in personality or judgment. If you notice any of these red flags in yourself or someone close to you, don’t wait — talk to your doctor.

Is diagnosing Alzheimer’s getting easier?

Yes, and that’s one of the most encouraging developments in recent years. In May 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first blood test to help detect Alzheimer’s by identifying amyloid plaques, one of the hallmarks of the disease. The test uses a simple blood draw rather than a spinal tap or costly imaging and could make diagnosis earlier and more accessible.

While this test isn’t used on its own to make a diagnosis, it’s an important tool that physicians can use alongside other exams and assessments. It’s a major step forward in helping patients get answers sooner.

Can I get the new blood test at the Clinic?

The newly approved blood test is still being rolled out and is currently used primarily in research and specialty settings. We’ll keep our patients informed as it becomes more widely available and approved for routine clinical use. In the meantime, our team is here to help evaluate symptoms and guide you through the best diagnostic steps available today.

Why does early diagnosis matter?

The earlier Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, the more options a person has. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 80 percent of Americans say they would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s before symptoms began, especially if it meant earlier access to treatment, support services, and time to plan for the future. An early diagnosis also helps families prepare and allows patients to take part in clinical trials for emerging treatments.

What other scientific advances are happening?

Researchers are exploring new biomarkers that may help predict Alzheimer’s progression more accurately than the current standard. One recent study, published in Nature Medicine, found that a ratio between two proteins — YWHAG and NPTX2 — may be a stronger indicator of cognitive decline than traditional amyloid and tau markers. These proteins are involved in how brain cells communicate, which is something Alzheimer’s disrupts.

Scientists are now working on ways to detect this protein ratio through blood tests, which could make early diagnosis even easier and open the door to more targeted treatment strategies.

Are there steps we can take to lower our risk?

Yes, and that’s empowering news. Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, social engagement, and good management of chronic health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can all help protect brain health.

A 2022 study from the University of California at San Francisco found that regular exercise may reduce the risk of cognitive decline by up to 30 percent. And a 2023 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition linked the Mediterranean diet to a lower risk of dementia and increased longevity.

Staying mentally and socially active and engaged also helps — whether it’s playing games, taking a class, or connecting with friends. The brain benefits from stimulation and connection, especially as we age.

What treatments are available today?

While there’s no cure, there are medications that can help manage symptoms or slow their progression in some people. These include cholinesterase inhibitors like Aricept® (donepezil), Exelon® (rivastigmine), and the NMDA antagonist Namenda® (memantine).

Research is ongoing, with more than 200 clinical trials currently underway, exploring new medications and therapies that target the biological mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease. Many of these focus on slowing or preventing damage at the cellular level, offering hope for future breakthroughs.

What’s the takeaway for Brain Awareness Month?

There’s still no cure for Alzheimer’s, but we’ve come a long way in understanding the disease and finding ways to diagnose and manage it earlier. Blood-based testing, new biomarkers, and expanded research give us real hope. If you or a loved one notices memory changes, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor. Early action can make a big difference in the care and support you receive.

At the Boca Grande Health Clinic, we’re here to help you protect your brain health and stay informed — every month of the year.

About the Author

Raymond A. James, D.O.

Dr. James joined the Clinic in March 2018 . A graduate of Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, he completed his residency at Metropolitan Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is board certified in emergency medicine and has been awarded fellowship status by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Throughout his medical career, Dr. […]