Researchers report progress in diagnosing and potentially preventing Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain affliction for which there is no cure. As of the latest estimates from the Alzheimer’s Association, about 6.9 million people in the United States aged 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2024.

That number is expected to grow sharply as the population ages—potentially reaching nearly 13 million by 2050 if no significant medical breakthroughs alter the course of the disease.

That makes the work being done by Rutgers neurologist Dr. William Hu, director of the Center for Healthy Aging Research and chief of cognitive neurology and Alzheimer’s disease at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, especially important.

The scientists are making significant strides in diagnosing and potentially preventing Alzheimer’s dementia. The team recently validated the Lumipulse blood test—the first such test cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May—offering a less invasive and more accessible tool for identifying the disease.

Hu’s research extends beyond diagnostics, investigating how diet, continuing education, and even gut health could help preserve brain function in older adults. His overarching goal is to improve the quality of life of Alzheimer’s patients and slow the global impact of dementia.

Alzheimer’s vs. other dementias

Dementia is a broad term for conditions that impair thinking and memory to the extent that daily tasks — like cooking or managing finances—become impossible without assistance. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the U.S. and Europe, but other conditions, such as Lewy body dementia or frontotemporal degeneration, can produce similar symptoms.

Misdiagnosis remains a major hurdle, with rates reaching about 30% even in specialized clinics. While Alzheimer’s in older patients often begins with memory loss, the disease can appear much earlier, causing language or vision problems first. These overlaps show the need for precise diagnostic tools.

The FDA-cleared Lumipulse test represents a leap forward in Alzheimer’s detection, offering faster and more accessible screening than spinal fluid analysis. However, Hu cautions that the test has its limitations.

Currently, the test is most effective in confirming diagnoses for patients with advanced symptoms who cannot undergo more extensive testing, or in identifying Alzheimer’s prevalence within specific populations.

Lifestyle factors

While some Alzheimer’s risk factors, such as high blood pressure, are difficult to modify, Hu notes that socially and cognitively engaging activities—like volunteering or playing mahjong—have shown promise in lowering risk.

His team is also exploring the connection between gut health and brain health. Research suggests that the gut microbiome can release molecules that influence brain function, adding a new dimension to Alzheimer’s prevention strategies.