A new report titled Preventing and Treating Dementia: Research Priorities to Accelerate Progress from the National Academies emphasizes the urgent need to accelerate progress in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). Despite major investments in research, effective interventions remain limited, and the growing societal burden of dementia is outpacing scientific breakthroughs. The report highlights that while much is known about potential risk factors, the evidence base is still too weak to support widespread prevention strategies.
One key message is the importance of shifting from a one-size-fits-all model to a precision approach that considers the diverse causes and trajectories of dementia. The report calls for deeper research into both the biological mechanisms of disease—like amyloid buildup, tau tangles, and vascular damage—and the factors that promote resilience, such as cognitive reserve and healthy aging. It also stresses the need for better early detection tools, including blood-based biomarkers and digital assessments, to identify those at risk before symptoms appear.
Crucially, the report urges that future studies reflect the full diversity of the U.S. population, noting that many communities most affected by dementia have been underrepresented in past research. It advocates for more collaborative, cross-disciplinary work and new funding strategies to break down existing research silos. The vision is clear: by prioritizing smarter science, broader inclusion, and more innovative intervention strategies, meaningful progress against dementia is within reach.