I'm filled with gratitude to all those in the dementia science community who participated in the Alzheimer's Association International Conference® 2024 (AAIC®). It was an extraordinary, inspiring week of new developments in Alzheimer's and dementia science and collaboration.
I'm also thankful for you. The kind of progress that was made this past week couldn't have happened without the generous support of new partners in the fight against Alzheimer's.
Friend, your generosity as a member of our community helps us provide care and support resources and fund the critical research we saw at AAIC.
This is a particularly promising moment for the dementia science community, with advancements on all fronts in the fight against Alzheimer's and all other dementia:
Risks and prevention: A study of 1.2 million Californians showed an increased risk of dementia after exposure to wildfire smoke. Another 43-year study of 130,000 people shows that eating about two servings of processed red meat a week increased the risk of dementia by 14%, and that swapping a serving of processed red meat for a serving of nuts, beans or tofu may lower the risk of dementia by 20%.
Early detection and diagnosis: New blood tests that accurately and reliably detect Alzheimer's hallmark brain changes may soon signal a shift to simpler, less-expensive and less-invasive detection and diagnosis, and support volunteer recruitment for treatment trials.
Treatment: GLP-1 agonists — the class of drugs prescribed to treat diabetes and weight loss — may also protect the brain. A study of liraglutide in people living with mild Alzheimer's reduced shrinking by nearly 50% in parts of the brain that affect memory, learning, language and decision-making, when compared to a placebo.
There's still more work to do. We must seize this momentum and do all we can to accelerate research progress while being there for those living with Alzheimer's with the care and support that is so needed. As these researchers return to their labs and offices, their work will continue — and so will ours, until we achieve our vision of a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.
Will you help us kick off this historic time in the fight to end Alzheimer's with your first gift now?
I truly believe the sharing and collaborating that took place at AAIC will lead to more breakthrough research discoveries. Thank you for again supporting our mission to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
Gratefully,
Michael Reich
Chief Marketing Officer
Your donation will strengthen our efforts to advance Alzheimer's care, support and research. From face-to-face support to online education programs and promising global research initiatives, your gift makes a difference in the lives of all those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias in your community and across the world. Thank you for your continued support.
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