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Leaders around the globe are prioritizing Alzheimer’s research and education. Brain health is essential! As more people suffer from Alzheimer's and dementia, it is up to each of us to adopt healthy habits for ourselves. This could help to reduce what might become an overwhelming burden in less than a decade.

Researchers and innovators want to help support patients and caregivers alike. Coping measures, early detection, and medicines help ease this burden for many. Plus they give doctors and nurses more options.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2021 report, about 6.2 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, and 2/3 of them are women. Patient care for Alzheimer's is continuing to rise as cases rise as well. It is estimated that the total lifetime cost of care for someone with dementia is $373,527 and that 1 in 3 seniors die with some form of dementia. When you consider that on a national level the numbers become staggering. In 2021 the total cost for all individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias is estimated at $355 billion. This does not include unpaid caregiving which is estimated to be 15.3 billion hours - a contribution valued at $257 billion.

With so many people affected by dementia diseases, it’s no surprise that researchers continue to search for a cure.

Top 5 reasons there's an upside to early detection of Alzheimer's

Early detection for aging issues is essential to maintain the highest quality of life possible for as long as possible. Early detection of Alzheimer’s is not different. What are the latest innovations in early Alzheimer’s detection?

1. Keeping People with Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment Employed- A study showed positive results of continued daily work tasks for those suffering from mild cognitive decline. Little more than workplace support is required from businesses for these patients. Plus employees in the program showed preserved health and well-being. These inclusive measures help to reduce stigmas and create inclusive spaces.
2. Immune system boosts - Several monoclonal antibody drugs may help the brain clear out beta-amyloid, which is associated with Alzheimer’s. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved aducanumab for the treatment of some cases of Alzheimer's disease in June 2021.
3. Classifying disease through artificial intelligence - Researchers' better detection of Alzheimer's disease could lead to earlier treatment and new opportunity to participate in clinical trials
4. BrainSee A Software for Noninvasive Detection and Monitoring of Alzheimer's Disease - The FDA granted breakthrough status to  BrainSee software that uses MRIs, cognitive assessments, and AI to detect Alzheimer’s disease in the early stages. Currently available for research, it could help enable timely medical interventions and care planning after FDA approves. It will also help the development of therapeutics and interventions. These could help fill the clinical gaps for patients with memory concerns. BrainSee may help stop disease progression, slow it down, or reverse brain damage in some cases.
5. Having a good listener improves your brain health - Researchers have found that people who have someone to listen to them are healthier. Those with good listeners have greater cognitive resilience. Social interaction in adulthood could help diminish cognitive decline.

Reducing the stigma around dementia and Alzheimer’s is essential in order to help the millions affected by the disease. It is important that attention to brain health is a commonplace part of aging. Taking care of your brain is a lifelong journey. It's best to start early. Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, Alzheimer’s Disease International, and the Global Council on Brain Health continue to be top resources on research and who’s supporting it.

Learn more about brain health and research on Wednesday, September 29. Join the live GetSetUp Guest Speaking event Know Your Brain Health Using Technology. Guest Speaker Dr. Kaveh Vejdani will speak on how technology can help detect the early signs of diseases like Alzheimer's. He will share how early detection can lead to improved lifestyle choices. Plus you are sure to hear some research-based tips to help live and care for loved ones with mild cognitive impairments or dementia.