Earlier Detection, More Possibilities: Why the ASAP Act Matters
Every September, World Alzheimer’s Day gives us an opportunity to raise awareness, challenge stigma and shine a light on the millions of people and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. This year, the global message is especially powerful: The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do.
That message reflects an important shift in how we think about Alzheimer’s. Earlier knowledge can give people more time to plan, make decisions about their care, have important conversations with loved ones and continue doing the things that bring meaning and joy to their lives.
That is why the bipartisan Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act, or ASAP Act, matters.
The ASAP Act (H.R. 6130 / S. 3267) would expand Medicare coverage for qualifying blood-based tests used to help detect Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias earlier. By increasing access to these tests, the legislation could help more people and their healthcare providers identify potential signs of disease sooner and have informed conversations about next steps.
Knowing early does not eliminate the uncertainty of Alzheimer’s. But it can give people something deeply valuable: time. At HealthyWomen, we believe that everyone deserves clear information and a meaningful voice in their healthcare decisions.
Through the This is ALZ campaign, we are helping change the conversation about the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s and show what it can mean to know earlier and live intentionally. Campaign storytellers, such as Kerry, LauraLee, Pako, Shon, Michele and Tracey, are spouses, parents, friends, neighbors and community members. Their stories challenge stigma and offer a fuller picture of what it means to live with the earlier stages of the disease: with strength, connection and intention.
New research from HealthyWomen and The Harris Poll shows how much work remains. Among 2,000 women ages 45 to 64, only 13% were familiar with blood tests that can help detect Alzheimer’s earlier. Just 9% said a healthcare provider had spoken with them about Alzheimer’s screening. Yet women are ready for the conversation. Nearly two-thirds said they would be more likely to get tested if they knew treatments and lifestyle changes could help slow the disease’s progression.
But this is not just about women. It is about families, caregivers and communities. Access to earlier detection should not depend on where someone lives or whether they can access a specialist.
The ASAP Act has significant bipartisan support because Alzheimer’s is not a partisan issue. It is a deeply personal one for millions of Americans, touching families and communities across the country
This World Alzheimer’s Day, we should recognize how far we have come while being honest about how far we still have to go. Awareness matters. So does action. People need access to information, screening and care that can help them make informed decisions earlier.