What’s new in Alzheimer’s research? 5 advances patients and families should know

For years, Alzheimer’s research has focused on one key goal: better understanding, detecting, treating, and ultimately preventing a disease that affects millions of families worldwide.

“Today, progress is happening on all fronts,” says Dr. Aaron Ritter, Larkin Family Endowed Chair in Integrative Brain Health and director of the Memory & Cognitive Disorders Program at Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute. “New treatments target the biology of the disease, blood tests are improving diagnosis, and researchers are exploring genetics, inflammation, and other drivers of brain health.”

And while there is still no cure, and many approaches remain experimental, the pace of discovery is creating more options—and more hope—for patients and families.

Here are five advances to know:

1. Treatment is moving beyond symptom management

The biggest shift in Alzheimer’s care is the arrival of disease-modifying therapies that target amyloid, a protein linked to plaque buildup in the brain.

“Two drugs have received FDA approval for mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s,” says Dr. Ritter. “While these treatments do not stop or reverse the disease and require careful monitoring by a physician, studies show they can slow cognitive and functional decline.”

2. Blood tests are changing how Alzheimer’s is detected

Researchers are developing blood tests that measure Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers such as phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and amyloid proteins.

“These tests may make diagnosis more accessible and reduce the need for more invasive procedures when interpreted alongside other clinical factors,” Dr Ritter says.

According to the National Institute on Aging, researchers are also studying whether blood biomarkers could help predict when symptoms may begin, which could support prevention trials.

3. Research is expanding beyond amyloid

While amyloid has been a major focus, it is only part of the disease.

“Tau, a protein that forms tangles inside brain cells, is now a major target of research,” says Dr. Ritter.

Other areas of study include inflammation, synaptic health, and the blood-brain barrier.

“This reflects a broader shift as Alzheimer’s is now seen as a complex disease driven by multiple biological processes, and future treatments are likely to combine a variety of approaches instead of one.”

4. A more personalized approach is emerging

Researchers are moving toward precision medicine, using genetics, biology, and lifestyle factors to better understand risk and treatment response.

Genetic research has identified genes that could elevate a person’s risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s, while rare protective variants may offer clues for prevention.

Scientists are also studying how genetics interacts with heart health, age, and lifestyle to influence risk.

5. Prevention research shows brain health is whole-body health

One of the most encouraging findings is that brain health is closely tied to overall health.

Studies show that exercise, diet, sleep, social engagement, and cardiovascular health all influence cognitive aging. The U.S. POINTER study, a 2-year clinical trial led by the Alzheimer’s Association, found that a structured lifestyle program combining these factors improved cognition in older adults at risk for decline.

What comes next?

“Alzheimer’s research is no longer headed down a singular path,” says Dr. Ritter. “Experts are reviewing hundreds of clinical trials while researching all avenues of early detection, new treatments, personalized medicine, and prevention. For patients and families, this means more options than ever before.”

Dr. Ritter also emphasizes that if you notice memory or thinking changes, don’t wait. Early evaluation can help identify causes and determine whether treatment or clinical trials may be appropriate. And while research continues to advance, there are meaningful steps you can take today to support brain health.

The future of Alzheimer’s care is shifting toward earlier detection, more precise understanding, and better ways to preserve brain health for as long as possible.

Learn more about the Memory & Cognitive Disorders Program at Hoag.