Polling Shows Earlier Diagnosis Is Changing the Alzheimer’s Conversation
Alzheimer’s is a deeply personal experience that for many is focused on navigating the disease’s later stages, when the loss of memory and independence can reshape daily life. But Alzheimer’s begins long before those moments, and a growing awareness of its earlier stages is helping shift the conversation toward the importance of earlier diagnosis, care and support.
As Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month continues on, a new national poll conducted by Fabrizio Ward suggests Americans recognize the importance of early diagnosis, testing and access to treatment. Polling shows 87% of registered voters surveyed agree or strongly agree that earlier diagnosis can benefit individuals with Alzheimer’s. In fact, diagnosis in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s creates space for planning, connection and support, helping individuals and families navigate next steps with greater clarity and confidence.
That majority reflects a growing awareness that Alzheimer’s can be more than its later stages. For Kerry Dennis, that awareness became personal when subtle changes at work began disrupting tasks that once felt easy. Eventually, she received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in the earlier stages of the disease. These benefits of knowing early can continue post-diagnosis as well. For LauraLee Denler, it led her to become more intentional about prioritizing healthy habits and staying active.
For Pako Rios, an early diagnosis reinforced the importance of connection with family and the simple activities that continue to bring him joy and purpose. It also allowed him time to begin taking treatments that are available to those living with the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s. His story is an example of the fact that recent advances in Alzheimer’s treatment have given people living with the earlier stages of the disease more opportunities to manage their disease. This is becoming widely recognized, as 89% of individuals surveyed by Fabrizio understand the ability of Alzheimer’s treatments to slow disease progression and help increase independence for those with the disease.
The journeys of those with the disease — from diagnosis and treatment to planning and living intentionally — are central to This is ALZ. The campaign seeks to expand public understanding of the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s by showing real experiences from people living with the disease.
Alzheimer’s is never just one story, and for those living with the earlier stages of the disease, it’s only one part of who they are. A majority of Americans are now recognizing the experiences of those with the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s, which is critical to understanding the full spectrum of the disease.
Learn more about This is ALZ through our Signature Storytellers at www.thisisalz.com.