A national survey of 1,700 people aged 45 and older found growing interest in testing, diagnosis, and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association report revealed that nearly 4 in 5 respondents want to know if they have the disease before symptoms interfere with daily activities.
Key findings include:
– 80% would ask a doctor about being tested, rather than waiting for a test to be offered.
– 91% would take a blood biomarker test or another simple test if available.
– 92% would likely take a medication to slow down the disease’s progression.
– 83% expect new treatments in the next decade that can halt Alzheimer’s progression.
The shift in perspective may be due to easier access to testing, as well as the availability of drug treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s. This has made people more optimistic about their future and willing to take control of their diagnosis.
However, doctors remain skeptical about the benefits of testing, citing concerns over existing drugs’ limited effectiveness. The survey highlights the need for protections for individuals who receive a positive test result, including job security and health insurance coverage.
Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/04/30/g-s1-63345/alzheimers-survey-americans-testing-treatment-risky