Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of Americans, but research shows it can be stopped before symptoms appear. A groundbreaking clinical trial is testing whether treating the disease early can delay or prevent it. The study aims to spot hidden brain changes using blood tests and pet scans to detect amyloid buildup.
According to Dr. Patricia Andrews, a geriatric psychiatrist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Alzheimer’s disease starts silently, years before memory loss shows up. Amyloid buildup is the main driver of the disease, causing damage to brain cells. Researchers want to prevent this damage by clearing amyloid with an antibody drug or a placebo.
The AHEAD study gives symptom-free volunteers one option or another to see if it can stop Alzheimer’s before it starts. If successful, this could lead to a daily pill that protects memories and prevents the disease. However, not everyone with amyloid will develop memory problems, but those who do face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s.
The trial is funded by NIH and aims to slow down the progression of the disease. Dr. Andrews hopes people can take a pill like a daily vitamin to protect their memories without worrying about developing the disease in 10 years.
Source: https://www.walb.com/2025/11/24/getting-ahead-stopping-alzheimers-before-it-starts