University of Kentucky researchers are urging adults 50 and older to join the free APT WebStudy, an online national program that tracks brain health and flags possible Alzheimer's changes early.
20 years or more can pass before memory loss appears, researchers said, making regular monitoring critical as plaques and tangles gradually damage brain cells and lead to dementia.
1 in 2 people in their mid-80s and older can be affected, Dr. Gregory Jicha said, with warning signs including repeated questions and confusion in familiar places.
Recent treatments can slow progression by targeting amyloid plaques, and participants showing memory changes may also be connected with clinical trials for new therapies and prevention strategies.
100% congressional and presidential backing for the National Alzheimer Project Act has helped expand research, while Jicha said annual brain-health checkups, exercise, social activity and mental engagement remain key preventive steps.
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Tackling Alzheimer’s: UK’s APT WebStudy, $14.5 Trillion Global Burden, and the Race for Early Detection and New Therapies
Overview
The APT WebStudy is a major ongoing effort in the UK to detect Alzheimer’s disease early by offering free, easy-to-use online memory tests for people aged 50 and above. Participants regularly monitor their memory through brief sessions, helping researchers track cognitive changes over time. This approach supports understanding and intervention in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, which is crucial as the disease progresses gradually and early action can improve outcomes. The study is led by top research institutions and is part of a broader push to reduce the global impact of Alzheimer’s through early detection, research, and community support.