Editorial - Journal of Aging and Geriatric Psychiatry (2025) Volume 9, Issue 2

Advancing alzheimer dementia: Diagnosis, treatment, prevention, care

Dr. Maria Johnson^*

Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

*Corresponding Author:

Dr. Maria Johnson
Department of Psychiatry
Harvard Medical School.
E-mail: maia.johnson@harvard.edu

Received : 05-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. AAAGP-25-192; Editor assigned : 07-Jan-2025, PreQC No. AAAGP-25-192(PQ); Reviewed : 27-Jan-2025, QC No AAAGP-25-192; Revised : 05-Feb-2025, Manuscript No. AAAGP-25-192(R); Published : 14-Feb-2025 , DOI : 10.35841/aaagp-9.2.192

Citation: Johnson DM. Advancing alzheimer's/dementia: Diagnosis, treatment, prevention, car. J Age Geriat Psych. 2025;09(02):192.

Introduction

Alzheimer's diagnosis is being transformed by blood-based biomarkers like plasma Aβ42/40 ratio and p-tau217/181. These less invasive and more accessible tests make early diagnosis easier, especially when traditional methods are unfeasible, marking a significant step forward in clinical practice.[1] Research highlights lifestyle factors' profound impact on cognitive decline. Diet, physical activity, and social engagement significantly reduce dementia risk. This suggests that promoting healthy lifestyles is a powerful public health strategy to combat cognitive decline effectively.[2] New disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer's are emerging, shifting focus from symptom relief to targeting underlying pathology. A critical review covers their mechanisms, trial results, and potential impact, representing a game-changer for people living with the disease.[3] Early detection and diagnosis of dementia in primary care face challenges like limited time and resources. Yet, improving screening tools and supporting healthcare providers presents opportunities for better management and intervention, making early diagnosis crucial.[4] Genetic factors play a key role in Alzheimer's disease, encompassing rare early-onset mutations and common late-onset forms like APOE. Understanding these genetics is vital for developing personalized prevention and treatment strategies, offering precision medicine approaches.[5] The gut microbiome's connection to neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's, is gaining attention. Changes in gut bacteria can influence brain health through inflammation and metabolic processes. Gut health might be a modifiable factor in preventing or managing dementia, opening new therapeutic doors.[6] Non-pharmacological interventions for dementia, such as cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and social engagement, significantly improve quality of life and some cognitive outcomes. An umbrella review underscores the importance of a holistic care approach beyond medication.[7] Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding its role in addressing Alzheimer's. A systematic review shows AI's potential in early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, drug discovery, and personalized care, offering more precise and efficient tools for research and clinical practice.[8] Racial and ethnic disparities in dementia prevalence and care are significant. Certain minority groups face higher risks and poorer outcomes due to socioeconomic factors and healthcare access. Targeted interventions and policies are crucial to address these inequities and promote health equity.[9] Caregivers for people with dementia experience substantial psychological, physical, and financial burdens. An umbrella review highlights the critical need for comprehensive support systems, including psychoeducation, respite care, and financial assistance, to ensure caregiver well-being and optimal care.[10]

Conclusion

Recent research significantly advances our understanding and management of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, touching on diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and care. New diagnostic tools, such as blood-based biomarkers (e.g., plasma Aβ42/40 ratio and p-tau217/181), offer less invasive and more accessible options for early Alzheimer's confirmation, especially when traditional brain imaging or cerebrospinal fluid tests are impractical. This marks a critical step towards earlier intervention. Emerging disease-modifying therapies are shifting focus from symptomatic relief to targeting underlying pathology, representing a pivotal change in treatment strategies. Prevention strategies are also gaining traction. Lifestyle factors like diet, physical activity, and social engagement are not just general health boosters; they notably reduce dementia risk, suggesting healthy living as a powerful public health tool. Genetic factors, from rare early-onset mutations to common late-onset variations like APOE, are fundamental for developing personalized prevention and treatment approaches. Intriguing connections between the gut microbiome and neurodegeneration highlight gut health as a potentially modifiable factor for dementia. Addressing the practical aspects of care, early detection in primary care settings is highlighted as crucial for better management, despite challenges like limited resources and training for general practitioners. Non-pharmacological interventions, including cognitive stimulation and physical activity, are proving effective in improving quality of life and cognitive outcomes, underscoring a holistic care approach. Technological advancements, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), are rapidly expanding their role in early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and drug discovery for dementia. This body of work also critically examines significant racial and ethnic disparities in dementia prevalence and care, advocating for targeted interventions. Lastly, the substantial psychological, physical, and financial burden on caregivers is recognized, stressing the need for comprehensive support systems.

References

1. Stefan H, Henrik Z, Alexander L. Blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: a clinical practice guide from the Alzheimer's Association. Alzheimers Dement. 2023;19(10):4402-4417.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Lin S, Yating Z, Xiang L. Lifestyle risk factors and cognitive decline: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Ageing Res Rev. 2022;78:101633.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Jeffrey LC, Rachelle SD, Svetlana IG. Emerging disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer's disease: a critical review. J Alzheimers Dis. 2024;97(4):1339-1358.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Ka GPC, Janice CSL, Daniel L. Early detection and diagnosis of dementia in primary care: challenges and opportunities. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2023;71(6):1726-1736.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Brian WK, Margaret AP, Jonathan LH. Genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2021;11(8):a035881.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Christian B, Paul E, Rebecca K. The gut microbiome and neurodegeneration: potential links to Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging. 2023;132:66-77.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Jessica AW, Krista J, Rebeccah EG. Non-pharmacological interventions for dementia: a systematic review of systematic reviews. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2022;70(10):2984-2993.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Chenjie L, Bo Y, Wenbo D. Artificial intelligence in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: a systematic review. Alzheimers Dement (Amst). 2024;10(1):e12520.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. M MG, Jennifer JM, Elizabeth RM. Racial and ethnic disparities in dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Alzheimers Dement. 2023;19(6):2506-2521.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

1. Gill L, Lee-Fay L, Claire C. Caregiving for people with dementia: an umbrella review of the evidence. Lancet. 2021;398(10294):84-96.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref