Three scientists learned they carry genes that significantly increase their risk for Alzheimer's. Here's how they're grappling with the news, and working to keep their brains healthy. mohd izzuan/Getty Images hide caption
Alzheimer's
A survey of older Americans found that 79% would want to know if they were in the early stages of Alzheimer's, and 92% said that if diagnosed, they would probably or definitely want to take a drug that could slow down the progression. The results may indicate a recent shift in openness toward testing and treatment. Westend61/Getty Images hide caption
Actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, arrive in January 2003 at the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif. Mark J. Terrill/AP hide caption
Susan Bell plays with a fidget toy at her home as part of her physical therapy on September 16, 2024 in St. Charles, Mo. The toys help provide Susan with cognitive stimulation. Michael B. Thomas for NPR / @miketphotog hide caption
Ken and Susan Bell, September, 2024 in St. Charles, Mo. Michael B. Thomas/NPR/@miketphotog hide caption
One woman's experience with the Alzheimer's drug Leqembi
About 40% of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors, according to a Lancet commission report. MirageC/Getty Images hide caption
Scientists have found one type of neuron is affected early in Alzheimer's. koto_feja/Getty Images/E+ hide caption
New blood tests that help detect Alzheimer's disease are opening up a new era in diagnosis and treatment, doctors say. Marcus Brandt/picture alliance/Getty Images hide caption
Family members often provide caregiving for people with dementia and it can take a financial and emotional toll. Ocskaymark/iStockphoto/Getty Images hide caption
This image provided by Eli Lilly shows the company's new Alzheimer’s drug Kisunla. The Food and Drug Administration approved Eli Lilly’s Kisunla on Tuesday for mild or early cases of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s. Eli Lilly and Company/AP hide caption
New insights into the brain's waste-removal system could one day help researchers better understand and prevent many brain disorders. Andriy Onufriyenko/Getty Images hide caption
The brain has a waste removal system and scientists are figuring out how it works
An advisory committee to the Food and Drug Administration has recommended that the federal agency approve Alzheimer's drug donanemab. Andrew Harnik/AP hide caption
Both President Biden and former President Donald Trump have made public gaffes on the campaign trail. Experts say such slips, on their own, are not cause for concern. Morry Gash/Pool/Getty Images hide caption
Recent gaffes by Biden and Trump may be signs of normal aging — or may be nothing
Newer blood tests can help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's disease without a brain scan or spinal tap. But some tests are more accurate than others. Tek Image/Science Photo Library/Getty Images hide caption
Blood tests can help diagnose Alzheimer's — if they're accurate enough. Not all are
Scientists have built an enormous atlas of the human brain that could help them chart a path toward preventing and treating many different neurological disorders. imaginima/Getty images hide caption
This largest-ever map of the human brain could change how we study it
Joyce Mutisya, 71, outside her home in Wote, Kenya. For years she's struggled with symptoms of dementia. But she didn't realize it was a condition for which she could seek professional help. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption
Scientists have built an enormous atlas of the human brain that could help them chart a path toward preventing and treating many different neurological disorders. Andriy Onufriyenko/Getty Images hide caption
Scientists built the largest-ever map of the human brain. Here's what they found
A precisely timed pulse to a brain area just behind the ear can help reduce memory deficits in patients suffering moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries. Malte Mueller/Getty Images/fStop hide caption
When a brain injury impairs memory, a pulse of electricity may help
John Shambroom and Loose Ends volunteer Jan Rohwetter examine the rug Shambroom's wife, Donna Savastio, couldn't finish due to symptoms of Alzheimer's. Jesse Costa/WBUR hide caption
A large study of an experimental Alzheimer's drug made by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly & Co. appears to slow worsening of the degenerative brain disease. Darron Cummings/AP hide caption
An experimental Alzheimer's drug outperforms one just approved by the FDA
The Food and Drug Administration has fully approved Leqembi, the first drug shown to slow down Alzheimer's disease. Andrew Harnik/AP hide caption
Alzheimer's drug Leqembi gets full FDA approval. Medicare coverage will likely follow
In Huntington's disease, proteins form toxic clumps that kill brain cells. Stowers Institute for Medical Research hide caption
Huntington's spreads like 'fire in the brain.' Scientists say they've found the spark
A new study finds that stimulating the brain during sleep can improve memory. DrAfter123/Getty Images hide caption
Scientists zap sleeping humans' brains with electricity to improve their memory
Jonnie Lewis-Thorpe, now 83, (right) lives with her daughter Angela Reynolds. She has Alzheimer's and lost her home due to symptoms of the disease. Katie Blackley/WESA hide caption