More than 7 million Americans are now living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and that number is rising. If you or someone close to you is experiencing memory loss, there’s good news worth paying attention to. Research conducted during the first half of 2025 has brought promising advancements that can change how we detect and treat AD. What’s ahead is more proactive and personalized. Here’s more information about what these advancements can mean for you. 

Earlier Detection Is On The Way

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s has traditionally required procedures that can be both uncomfortable and expensive for some. But that’s changing. Fast.

Multiple studies from the past six months point to less invasive diagnostic tests that can provide faster results at lower costs. At the top of the list? Blood tests. Scientists are creating basic blood tests that identify Alzheimer’s-related proteins even before symptoms appear. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that 91% of Americans would take such a test if it existed and proved to be accurate.

Even routine lab work is getting a second look. A recent study out of China showed that a common measurement called plateletcrit (PCT)—part of a standard blood panel—was strongly linked to signs of Alzheimer’s in the brain. Findings like these mean that early screening could take place conveniently during your regular check-ups. 

Technology continues to push things forward. Here are a few notable initiatives from the first part of 2025: 

• A powerful AI system is being developed to review brain MRIs to estimate a person’s “brain age,” gauge cognitive health, and reveal signs of Alzheimer’s, all in one scan.
• The Digital Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis (DADD) model pairs basic recordings of your brain wave activity with advanced computer modeling to create a “digital twin” of your brain. In the study, this model accurately predicted future decline, without the need for a lumbar puncture or costly imaging.
• And in the Netherlands, a large national registry project is helping people track their brain health online through cognitive tests and annual check-ins. No hospital visit required.

Taking it all together, these developments signal a trend, as accurate testing becomes more accessible, affordable, and comfortable.

New Drugs Are Slowing Down Alzheimer’s

The headlines in scientific media have focused on medications Leqembi (lecanemab) and Kisunla (donanemab) in recent months. The new drugs received FDA approval for treating early-stage Alzheimer’s disease while slowing disease progression. In fact, the treatments buy patients more time. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that patients with very mild symptoms could expect to gain eight or 10 months living independently with donanemab.

Of course, the drugs have their limitations. Both treatments require patients to receive IV infusions at regular intervals and undergo close safety checks. But new, real-world data shows that with the right care team, side effects are manageable. And for older adults especially, the benefits are noticeable.

Even more promising are the next generation of treatments now in the pipeline. Researchers are developing versions of these drugs that can be delivered at home by injection or taken as a pill. That alone could make life easier for patients and caregivers alike.

Another drug catching attention is semaglutide, better known by its brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Originally used for diabetes and weight loss, it’s now being tested for Alzheimer’s due to its anti-inflammatory effects on the brain.

Then there’s remternetug, an antibody therapy being studied in people who carry a genetic mutation linked to Alzheimer’s, but who haven’t shown symptoms yet. If successful, it could shift the timeline from treatment to prevention. This is something no drug has done before.

New Paths, Not Just New Pills

Scientists are also thinking beyond the usual playbook. Rather than focusing only on brain plaques, they are now investigating brain health protection methods from multiple directions.

A South Korean team studies focused ultrasound as a non-drug treatment, using sound waves to create temporary openings in the brain’s natural defense barrier. The technique proved successful in a small trial by reducing plaques and improving symptoms with no drugs required. The research remains in its initial stages, but shows potential.

At Northwestern University, researchers are looking at the brain’s own immune system. They found that microglia, the brain’s cleanup cells, play a key role in removing harmful plaques. And some people’s microglia are genetically more effective than others. The hope is that future treatments might encourage your own cells to do the work, reducing the need for outside medications.

Scientists are also looking at the skeleton for ideas. In mouse studies, a hormone that comes from bones—called undercarboxylated osteocalcin—reduced brain inflammation and improved memory. Though a long way from a viable potetntial in fighting Alzheimer’s, it points to just how connected the body’s systems really are.

Finally, researchers are doubling down on the connection between heart health and brain health. You probably know that high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol hurt your heart. But they raise your Alzheimer’s risk, too. That’s why some existing heart medications are now being studied as potential treatments to protect your brain. 

More Personalized, Ethical, and Inclusive Care

As science advances, so does the approach to care. What works for one person may not be right for another. Personalization really matters when it comes to Alzheimer’s treatments.

One reason is genetics. Some treatments, like Leqembi, carry higher risks for people with two copies of a gene called ApoE4. Today, doctors are more likely to test for that gene and talk through what it means before starting treatment.

Research is also getting more inclusive. Studies like ADNI-4 are working to better represent people who’ve often been left out of trials, including Black and Latino patients, people from rural communities, and those without access to major medical centers. 

Since early testing can generate lots of emotions, the Alzheimer’s Association is helping to shape new guidelines for doctors. These updates will encourage providers to offer clear, supportive conversations and counseling before and after testing. Getting answers should never mean feeling overwhelmed or left on your own.

Why This Matters Now

Scientific progress continues to improve methods for diagnosing AD. It’s becoming possible to begin treatment earlier, to slow decline. The options are also increasing.

There’s still no cure for Alzheimer’s. Yet, researchers are continuing to inch toward progress. At Charter Research, we believe in a future where better answers lead to better lives. You can help shape that future.

When you join a clinical trial, you get an opportunity to receive advanced care and help improve how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, treated, and prevented.

If you’d like to learn more, fill out this form or gives us a call directly: 

Orlando 407-337-3000

The Villages 352-775-1000