A recent national survey has unveiled a strong desire among older Americans to understand their potential risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association and involving 1,700 participants aged 45 and older, the survey indicates a notable shift in attitudes towards early testing, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.
Currently, over 7 million individuals in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s, making the survey findings particularly significant.
Among the critical insights from the survey, nearly 79% of respondents expressed a desire to know if they had Alzheimer’s before it affected their daily lives.
Moreover, around 80% stated they would proactively seek doctor referrals for testing rather than waiting for providers to offer it.
Interestingly, 91% of participants indicated that they would prefer a simple blood biomarker test if it were available, highlighting a particular interest in non-invasive testing methods.
Despite existing blood tests that can detect amyloid plaques—an indication of Alzheimer’s—many respondents were unaware of these advancements.
When it comes to treatment, a staggering 92% of those surveyed expressed a willingness to take medications that could slow the progression of the disease if diagnosed.
Remarkably, over half of the respondents (58%) stated they would consider taking an Alzheimer’s medication even with moderate or high side effects.
In terms of research participation, 83% showed openness to joining clinical trials focused on experimental treatments to manage or potentially cure the disease.
Looking ahead, 81% of respondents are optimistic that treatments capable of halting the disease’s progression will become available within the next decade.
However, there remains a concern among 44% of participants about insurance coverage for treatment and care in the event of a positive diagnosis.
Elizabeth Edgerly, a clinical psychologist and director of community programs for the Alzheimer’s Association, notes that attitudes toward an Alzheimer’s diagnosis are shifting—notably, that individuals are becoming less fearful and more proactive about seeking diagnosis and treatment.
In previous years, Edgerly shared, many clients expressed hesitation about learning their Alzheimer’s status, often questioning the benefit of knowing such information.
Now, with the evolution of testing methods, determining one’s risk has become much simpler.
Whereas older techniques required extensive procedures like PET scans or spinal taps, recent advancements have made blood tests available for assessing the presence of amyloid plaques, facilitating early diagnosis.
The introduction of new treatment options for those in the early stages of the disease, such as lecanemab and donanemab, has also significantly encouraged individuals to seek diagnosis while they are still able to make informed choices about their future.
Edgerly emphasizes that during the mild stages of symptoms, individuals possess the capacity to articulate their preferences and decide on potential treatments.
Dr. Nathaniel Chin, a geriatrician at the University of Wisconsin, comments on the optimism surrounding the new medications, stating that they might not stop Alzheimer’s progress entirely, but they reflect scientific advancements and progress in the field.
He observes that many patients now express a desire for greater knowledge about their health and how it may impact their ability to access future therapies.
The survey findings resonate with the trends Dr. Chin is witnessing in his practice, where patients are increasingly seeking information and options regarding their cognitive health.
Despite this proactive approach from patients, there remains skepticism among some healthcare professionals regarding the efficacy of current testing and treatments.
Chin shares that many physicians perceive the existing treatment options as only marginally effective, leading to a gap between patient expectations and medical advice.
In his practice, he provides blood tests for cognitive concerns, expecting their usage to grow within the medical community.
Nonetheless, this surge in testing could spawn new challenges, including the need for healthcare providers to be adequately trained in counseling those who receive a positive Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Chin warns that positive test results could also pose risks related to employment or health insurance, noting existing legal protections for genetic information, but a lack of similar safeguards for cognitive impairments.
The survey illustrates a proactive willingness among older Americans to understand their health status and to engage with available treatments, reflecting an essential evolution in the societal approach to Alzheimer’s.
image source from：https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/04/30/g-s1-63345/alzheimers-survey-americans-testing-treatment-risky
