Alzheimer’s disease is a serious brain condition that slowly affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Right now, more than 6.9 million Americans over age 65 are living with Alzheimer’s. That number is expected to nearly double by 2050 (Alz.org, 2024 Facts and Figures Report).
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, which is a general term for problems with memory and thinking that make everyday life hard. At first, someone with Alzheimer’s might forget things more often. Over time, they may struggle to speak, understand others, or take care of themselves.
The disease is linked to changes in the brain. Two types of harmful proteins—called amyloid plaques and tau tangles—build up between and inside brain cells. This stops the brain from working the way it should and causes brain cells to die (NIH).
Right now, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. But scientists are working hard on treatments, and early screening and research can help.
Can Alzheimer’s Be Prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s. But healthy habits may lower your risk or delay symptoms. Researchers say that keeping your brain and body healthy as you age can make a big difference (NIH – Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease: What Do We Know?)
Here are a few ways to protect your brain:
Get Moving: Regular exercise—like walking or dancing—can help your brain by keeping blood flowing and reducing inflammation.
- Eat Healthy: Diets like the MIND diet, which includes green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, and whole grains, may help lower your risk of Alzheimer’s. It was designed to support brain health (NIA – Diet and Alzheimer’s).
- Take Care of Your Health: Managing health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol is important for both your heart and your brain.
- Stay Connected & Keep Learning: Talking with friends, playing games, reading, and trying new hobbies can keep your mind sharp.
Why Clinical Research Matters
At Suncoast Clinical Research, we lead clinical trials to help find better ways to treat, slow down, or possibly prevent Alzheimer’s. Clinical trials are carefully monitored research studies where people have the opportunity to try potential new treatments.
Emerging Diagnostic Tools: The Promise of the Smell Test
As research continues to uncover new methods for early Alzheimer’s detection, one promising innovation is the use of a simple smell test. Recent findings suggest that changes in a person’s ability to identify different odors may be one of the earliest indicators of Alzheimer’s disease. According to a News Nation article on the Alzheimer’s smell test, researchers are exploring how subtle declines in olfactory function could help diagnose the disease before more pronounced symptoms appear.
While more studies are needed to fully validate the accuracy and reliability of the smell test, its non-invasive nature makes it an attractive tool for early screening. In combination with traditional methods—like cognitive assessments and imaging—the smell test could enhance our ability to detect Alzheimer’s in its initial stages, paving the way for earlier intervention and potentially more effective treatment strategies.
By continuously supporting and participating in clinical research, patients and their families can benefit from these cutting-edge diagnostic developments.
Take Action Today
If you or someone you care about is starting to have memory problems, early screening is very important. Call us at (727) 855-7103 to speak with a team member at Suncoast Clinical Research. We’ll share more about our current Alzheimer’s studies and how you or a loved one can take part. You can also fill out our interest form, and someone from our team will call you with more information.
