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New research presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference® found that a simple blood test can help predict a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's-related cognitive impairment up to a decade before symptoms appear.
As an Alzheimer's Association Policy Ambassador on Maui, I know what that could mean here. At last month's Maui Walk to End Alzheimer's, families told me about two barriers, the cost of testing and the lack of specialists in our rural community.
About 31,000 Hawaiʻi kūpuna live with Alzheimer's, and an affordable blood test could bring early detection closer to home.
Thankfully, Rep. Jill Tokuda can play an important role in ensuring people in Hawaiʻi and across the country can benefit from early detection.
The bipartisan Alzheimer's Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act creates a pathway for Medicare coverage of FDA-approved blood tests that detect Alzheimer's biomarkers. The ASAP Act uses the same proven approach Congress just applied to cancer screening through the MCED Act, creating a pathway for coverage while allowing Medicare to use its evidence-based process.
More than nine in 10 Americans say they would want a simple test for Alzheimer's, and this legislation ensures they do not face unnecessary delays or barriers to early detection.
Please join me and the Alzheimer's Association in encouraging Congress and Rep. Tokuda to include the ASAP Act in its end-of-year package.
Mansa Devaki
Kula