A CT Doctor Offers New Hope for Alzheimer's Patients and Families

Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s Care

Recent advancements in the detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease are significantly improving patient outcomes and providing families with a renewed sense of hope. According to Dr. Ausim Azizi, a neurologist and surgeon at Yale New Haven Health, these developments are making a real difference for those affected by the condition.

Yale New Haven Hospital is at the forefront of Alzheimer’s research and clinical care, with Dr. Azizi noting that it is considered one of the top institutions in the country. The hospital is home to a federally-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, which plays a crucial role in advancing understanding and treatment options for the disease.

Dr. Azizi has been involved in treating over 350 patients with new medications that slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. He reports that many patients and their families feel more in control of their lives as a result of early intervention. With timely detection and treatment, patients may avoid reaching the end stage of the disease, where symptoms become severe and debilitating.

For individuals who are 75 years old and retired but experiencing significant memory problems, early detection and treatment can allow them to maintain friendships and enjoy a good quality of life. In Connecticut alone, an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 people live with this progressive condition, which gradually robs sufferers of their memory and cognitive abilities.

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, Dr. Azizi emphasizes that the disease can be "modified" with medications from two different companies. These drugs, Lecanemab (Leqembi) and Donanemab (Kisunla), were approved about two years ago and work by targeting amyloid plaque in the brain through IV infusion.

Before the availability of the Lumipulse G blood test, diagnosing Alzheimer’s was a complicated, stressful, and expensive process. This new blood test, approved in late May, offers 98% accuracy in confirming the disease. Prior methods included drawing spinal fluid or using PET scans, which were less convenient and more invasive.

The blood test is not predictive and is intended for individuals aged 55 and older who are experiencing cognitive issues. It is essential for confirming Alzheimer’s before prescribing the medications. Early detection is key, as while the medications do not cure the disease, they help slow its progression.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over several years. In the early stages, memory loss is mild, but in later stages, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years after diagnosis, though some may live up to 20 years depending on other factors.

The association's 2025 report found that nearly 4 in 5 Americans would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s before it impacted their lives. This highlights the importance of early detection, as it opens the door to early treatment.

Dr. Azizi compares the sticky proteins or plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients to rust on an engine. These plaques cause cognitive difficulties, including trouble with sequencing events and memory. The new medications help "clear the rust," slowing the progression of the disease, although the damage already done remains.

Cognitive problems can occur in other forms of dementia, but the same medications do not work for those conditions. Dr. Azizi notes that 70% of cases involving cognitive issues are Alzheimer’s. Before treatment, he emphasizes the importance of checking for biologic evidence of the disease.

Early treatment is crucial for families, as it can provide a better quality of life and more time together. Alongside medical interventions, lifestyle changes can also improve outcomes. Dr. Azizi outlines 10 factors that can boost brain health and help prevent dementia:

• Control blood pressure, with a low number below 80
• Control blood sugar to around 100
• Control cholesterol, with total fasting levels under 200
• Ensure adequate and restful sleep
• Eat mostly unprocessed plants
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• If smoking, stop
• Reduce alcohol intake to a maximum of 3 to 4 drinks per week
• Increase physical activity, including daily aerobic exercise
• Engage in enjoyable and healthy social and mental activities