New Alzheimer's research can bring hope, but it can also leave families with practical questions: Is a new test available now? Should we ask for it? Would an earlier diagnosis make a meaningful difference? And what can we do today while research continues?
Updates presented at the 2026 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) point to progress in blood testing, earlier detection, brain health and possible treatments for difficult symptoms. These advances are important, but they are not do-it-yourself screening tools or one-size-fits-all answers. For families in Elkhart County, the clearest takeaway is that earlier conversations, reliable education and ongoing support can create more time to make thoughtful decisions.
Home Instead has a long-standing partnership with the Alzheimer's Association, grounded in a shared commitment to dementia education, family caregiver support and quality care. Together, these resources can help families understand what is changing—and navigate what comes next with greater confidence.
Why Alzheimer's research advances matter to families
Research matters most when it improves everyday life. For a family noticing changes in a loved one's memory, judgment or ability to manage familiar tasks, progress in detection may eventually shorten the path to clearer answers. Brain health studies may help families build realistic, supportive routines. Treatment research may give healthcare teams more options over time.
Just as important, earlier diagnosis can give a person living with dementia a greater voice in decisions about care, finances, legal planning, transportation, living arrangements and personal wishes. It can also give family caregivers time to learn, find support and build a care team before a crisis.
An early diagnosis does not remove uncertainty, and no single test can explain every memory concern. But having more time to plan can improve safety, reduce stress and help families focus on quality of life.
Alzheimer's blood tests are moving closer to everyday care
What the AAIC blood test findings showed
One large real-world study presented at AAIC 2026 involved more than 1,300 patients and 165 physicians. After reviewing results from an Alzheimer's blood-based biomarker test, primary care physicians and dementia specialists reached similarly high levels of diagnostic accuracy. The test was especially helpful to primary care physicians when ruling out Alzheimer's disease as the cause of a patient's cognitive concerns.
A separate AAIC study found that elevated levels of a blood biomarker called p-tau217 were associated with a higher chance of developing cognitive impairment over the following decade, even among older adults who did not yet have symptoms.
In plain language, certain blood tests may help clinicians detect biological signs associated with Alzheimer's more easily than some traditional methods. They may also help researchers and clinicians better understand future risk.
What families should know today
These findings do not mean that everyone should request an Alzheimer's blood test or that a test result can predict one person's future with certainty. Different tests have different levels of evidence and accuracy. Age, other health conditions and individual circumstances can affect how results should be interpreted. A blood test is only one part of a careful evaluation that may include a health history, medication review, cognitive assessment, laboratory work, imaging or referral to a specialist.
If you are concerned about changes in memory or thinking, start with a healthcare provider who knows your loved one's health history. Do not delay a medical evaluation while waiting for a particular test to become available.
Earlier detection can give families more time to plan
Families sometimes avoid an evaluation because they fear the answer. That response is understandable. Yet changes in memory and thinking can have many causes, including some that may be treatable. A timely medical assessment can help identify what is happening and guide appropriate next steps.
When Alzheimer's disease or another dementia is diagnosed earlier, families may have more time to:
- Include the person living with dementia in care and future-planning decisions.
- Review medications, health conditions and treatment options with clinicians.
- Put legal, financial and advance-care documents in place.
- Discuss driving, home safety, nutrition and daily routines before a crisis occurs.
- Learn about family caregiver education, respite options and in-home dementia support.
- Connect with Alzheimer's Association support groups and community education.
- Participate in local awareness and fundraising activities such as the Walk to End Alzheimer's.
Planning early is not giving up. It is a way to protect choice, dignity and connection throughout the Alzheimer's journey.
Brain health research reinforces the value of everyday support
AAIC 2026 also featured results from LatAm-FINGERS, a two-year study involving older adults at risk for dementia across 11 Latin American countries. Programs that combined several healthy-lifestyle areas—including physical activity, healthy eating, cognitive activity, social engagement and management of cardiovascular risk—were associated with improvements in memory and thinking. The strongest gains were seen in the group that received structured coaching and peer support.
This research does not promise that lifestyle changes will prevent Alzheimer's disease. It does suggest that brain-healthy routines can be more sustainable when people have structure, encouragement and social connection.
For an older adult in Elkhart County, that might mean working with a healthcare provider to choose safe movement, eating regular nutritious meals, staying connected with friends or faith communities, engaging in enjoyable activities, and managing hearing, sleep, blood pressure or other health concerns. Small, familiar routines are often more helpful than an overwhelming list of goals.
Home Instead Care Professionals can support the plan established by a family and healthcare team through companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation and meaningful activities. Care Professionals receive specialized Alzheimer's and dementia care training designed to help them understand changing abilities, communicate with patience and respond to behaviors with compassion.
Emerging treatments require careful medical guidance
One Phase 2 trial presented at AAIC studied a specific oral combination of THC and CBD for agitation in people with advanced dementia who were receiving or eligible for hospice care. Researchers reported a reduction in agitation among participants receiving the study treatment.
The finding is promising, but it does not mean over-the-counter cannabis or CBD products are proven or appropriate treatments for agitation. The study involved a defined formulation, dose and closely monitored group of participants. Cannabis-based products can have side effects, interact with medications and be regulated differently from approved treatments.
Agitation can also be a sign of pain, infection, fear, overstimulation, medication effects or an unmet need. Families should contact a healthcare provider when agitation is new, severe or worsening, and should discuss any treatment—including supplements, cannabis-derived products or prescription medication—before use.
While researchers continue to study new approaches, trained dementia care can help families identify patterns, adjust routines and create a calmer environment. This non-medical support works alongside, not in place of, clinical care.
Questions to ask a healthcare provider
It can help to bring notes about the changes you have observed, when they began and how they affect daily life. Consider asking:
About evaluation and diagnosis
- What could be causing these changes in memory, thinking, mood or daily function?
- What tests are appropriate now, and what would each result tell us?
- Is an Alzheimer's blood-based biomarker test available or suitable in this situation?
- Would you recommend a referral to a neurologist, geriatrician or memory clinic?
About treatment and daily well-being
- Are there approved treatments or clinical trials that may be appropriate?
- Could medications or other health conditions be contributing to symptoms?
- What changes in exercise, nutrition, sleep or social activity are safe and realistic?
- What should we do if agitation or other behavior changes become difficult to manage?
About planning and support
- What changes should prompt an urgent call or follow-up visit?
- Which safety, legal and care-planning conversations should we begin now?
- What local caregiver resources or support groups do you recommend?
How Home Instead and the Alzheimer's Association support families
No family should have to learn dementia care only through trial and error. Home Instead's partnership with the Alzheimer's Association helps connect families with trustworthy education, community resources and compassionate support.
The Alzheimer's Association offers a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, education programs, care consultations and information about diagnosis, treatment, planning and clinical research. Local Walk to End Alzheimer's events bring neighbors together to raise awareness and support research and care services.
Home Instead complements those resources with family caregiver education and specialized in-home support. Dementia-trained Care Professionals can help maintain familiar routines, encourage meaningful engagement and provide family caregivers with needed time to rest, work or attend to other responsibilities.
In Elkhart County and nearby Northern Indiana communities, support may begin with a single conversation. Families do not need to wait for a crisis—or have every answer—to start planning.
What families can do now
If you are concerned about a loved one's memory or thinking, schedule a medical evaluation and write down the specific changes you have noticed. Talk with your loved one about what matters most to them. Learn about Alzheimer's Association programs, caregiver support groups and community education. Begin a flexible care plan that can change as needs change.
You may also contact the local Home Instead team for guidance or a care consultation. The conversation is an opportunity to ask questions, understand non-medical home care options and consider what support could make daily life safer and more manageable. There is no obligation to begin services.
Research is moving forward. Families deserve support that moves forward with them—one clear, compassionate step at a time.
Frequently asked questions
Can a blood test diagnose Alzheimer's disease?
Some blood-based biomarker tests can help qualified clinicians evaluate biological signs associated with Alzheimer's disease. They are not stand-alone answers for every person or every type of dementia. Results should be interpreted as part of a complete medical evaluation.
Should someone without symptoms get an Alzheimer's blood test?
Research is exploring whether blood biomarkers can help estimate future risk, but routine screening of people without symptoms is still an evolving area. Ask a healthcare provider about personal risk, potential benefits, limitations and whether testing would change care.
Why is an early Alzheimer's diagnosis helpful?
Earlier diagnosis may allow more time for the person living with dementia to participate in decisions, consider treatment options, address safety and complete legal and financial planning. It also gives families time to find education, support groups, respite and home care resources.
Can lifestyle changes prevent Alzheimer's disease?
No lifestyle plan can guarantee prevention. Research supports caring for overall brain and heart health through safe physical activity, nutritious food, cognitive and social engagement, quality sleep and management of health conditions. A healthcare provider can help tailor recommendations.
Is CBD or cannabis a treatment for dementia-related agitation?
A Phase 2 clinical trial studied one specific THC/CBD formulation in people with advanced dementia, but that does not establish retail cannabis or CBD products as safe or effective treatments. Families should consult a healthcare provider before using any cannabis-derived product.
Where can Elkhart County dementia caregivers find help?
Families can contact the Alzheimer's Association for its 24/7 Helpline, education, support groups and local programs. Home Instead can provide dementia education, family caregiver support and a care consultation to explore trained, non-medical in-home assistance.
