Brain health is the next frontier in longevity.
Silent epidemic. Alzheimer’s is rising — with cases expected to double in the US and triple worldwide through 2050. More than memory loss, deaths from the degenerative brain disorder have climbed 140% since 2000.
Lifestyle meds. With 45% of dementia cases tied to lifestyle, prevention is paramount. Linking obesity and the disease, researchers say the Mediterranean diet, deep sleep, and just 25 minutes of vigorous weekly exercise significantly cut risk.
Early warning. Quest Diagnostics now offers Alzheimer’s blood tests, improving access while decreasing reliance on costly PET scans.
Scaling screenings, MYndspan is pioneering an MEG clinic, Belfast’s Cumulus Neuroscience launched a three-minute EEG, and Prenuvo flags presymptomatic brain changes.
Biotech bets. An Alzheimer’s reversal pill from Sam Altman-backed Retro Biosciences enters clinical trials this year, while Novo Nordisk will publish results of its semaglutide trial this year. Examining lithium imbalance as a cause, low-dose supplements are showing promise.
Punchline: A growing burden, preventing and reversing Alzheimer’s is top of mind across wellness, longevity, and pharma — with lifestyle medicine, diagnostics, and therapeutics converging to change the outcome.
