In the third episode of Ahead of Alzheimer's, Emily Kaplan speaks with Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham about why this is a pivotal moment in Alzheimer's care. Drawing on more than two decades of work in policy and advocacy, Branham explains that advances in blood-based diagnostics, emerging treatments, and lifestyle interventions are transforming Alzheimer's from a disease with few options into one where earlier action can meaningfully improve quality of life.

Branham argues that early diagnosis is essential—not only because it allows patients to access new therapies while they remain effective, but also because it gives families more time to plan, receive support, and remain at home longer. She discusses Florida's efforts to expand caregiver resources, invest in Alzheimer's research, and build a proactive model of care that benefits both patients and the healthcare system by delaying the need for costly institutional care.

The conversation also explores the future of Alzheimer's policy, including the importance of routine cognitive screening, identifying individual risk earlier in life, and expanding access to new diagnostic tools. Branham describes the current moment as a rare opportunity to reshape how the disease is managed, emphasizing that combining earlier detection with better care, research, and prevention strategies can give patients and families more time, more choices, and more hope.

https://aheadofalzheimers.org/ep-3-michelle-branham-dept-of-elder-affairs/