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For families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, hope has often felt just out of reach. But recent years have brought an encouraging shift — one marked by groundbreaking science, early detection tools, and new insight into how lifestyle and prevention may slow cognitive decline.

A New Era in Diagnosis

In 2025, the FDA approved the first-ever blood test capable of detecting Alzheimer’s proteins with more than 90% accuracy. Unlike costly brain scans, this simple test can be done by a primary care provider, dramatically increasing access to early diagnosis. Researchers say this change can help identify the disease earlier, when interventions can be most effective.

Progress Beyond the Lab

Other promising discoveries are deepening understanding of the disease:

• Lifestyle interventions matter. The landmark S. POINTER study confirmed that combining good nutrition, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and health monitoring significantly improves cognitive performance in at-risk adults.
• Inflammation may hold answers. New studies show immune system health plays a key role in how Alzheimer’s develops — pointing researchers toward therapies that target inflammation and immune response.
• Vaccines and brain health. Large-scale studies suggest that common vaccines — including those for shingles and RSV — may reduce dementia risk by up to 20%.
• Unexpected discoveries. Early research shows that lithium, long used to treat mood disorders, might help protect neurons and slow the buildup of harmful brain proteins.

Together, these findings are fueling a more hopeful future — one where prevention, early detection, and personalized care work hand in hand.

Compassionate Care for Today

While the advances in research are truly exciting, the day-to-day support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s remains just as vital. At Family & Nursing Care, that support begins at home. Caregivers help clients stay in a familiar, comfortable environment — encouraging meaningful routines, supporting safety, and maintaining dignity, including:

• Personalized companionship and engagement
• Safety and structure
• Support with daily life and transitions
• Care coordination and communication
• Focus on dignity and purpose

“At Family & Nursing Care, we believe that every breakthrough in research is matched by the everyday breakthroughs that happen at home,” said Kelly Salb, Vice President of Client Services. “Caregivers bring not just care, but comfort, patience, and hope — helping clients live with dignity and meaning each day.”

To learn more about how Family & Nursing Care supports clients living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, visit our Home Care and Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care webpage.