Alzheimer’s disease — a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking and the ability to complete everyday tasks — affects about 7 million people in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. That impact extends not only to patients but also families and caregivers. 

In the latest episode of the Prime Therapeutics (Prime) “Pharmacy Friends” podcast, “Alzheimer’s in Focus: A Look at Innovation, Access and Impact,” join host Maryam Tabatabai, PharmD, associate vice president of clinical information, and guests Erin Feigal, chief human resources officer; Amy Pappas, M.D., physician clinical reviewer; Olivia Payne, PharmD, drug information pharmacist; and Andrea Henry, PharmD, principal drug information pharmacist, as they connect clinical expertise with the real-life needs of patients and caregivers through conversations about diagnosis and caregiving, risk reduction and brain health, and emerging treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

Navigating diagnosis, caregiving and new treatment options

For Feigal, Prime’s work with Alzheimer’s disease became personal when her family began noticing changes in her mother. Those early signs led them to seek answers and, ultimately, an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. As the disease progressed, her family adjusted its routines, supported Feigal’s father in his role as primary caregiver and found new ways to stay connected — including through her mother’s love of music.

“There’s life before and after diagnosis,” Feigal said. “Even if life feels a little bit different with your loved one, it’s still a really wonderful time to cherish.”

Pappas explained how newer diagnostic tools may help confirm Alzheimer’s disease and why earlier evaluation matters — insights that can help patients, families and care teams make more informed decisions together. 

Pappas also encouraged families to choose meaningful activities that fit the individual — like music. “Find something that they would enjoy doing,” Pappas said. “Any way to keep your brain active is good.”

What the evidence says about reducing risk

There are a number of factors that influence the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Payne said, including diet, physical activity, social and cognitive engagement, hearing loss, and cardiovascular health. “There is no one cause of Alzheimer’s,” Payne said. “There (are) a number of risk factors that can work together to play a role in whether or not a person develops the disease.”

“Risk isn’t destiny,” Tabatabai added. “Eating a little better, moving more, spending time with loved ones … all of that can add up to better brain health.”

A growing drug pipeline brings new reasons for hope

While early intervention is critical, so is targeted and effective treatment. The Alzheimer’s disease drug pipeline includes therapies designed to target mechanisms associated with disease development and progression, including amyloid and tau accumulation, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and metabolic dysfunction. 

“We have a very robust pipeline,” Henry said. “Researchers are now able to detect changes in the brain before symptoms ever occur … providing an additional therapeutic window.”

Prime brings deep clinical expertise to monitoring emerging therapies and evaluating clinical and financial evidence. That work helps health plans prepare for innovation while considering the full picture of care, including outcomes, affordability and patient access.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Pharmacy Friends” podcast

Read the latest Clinical Insights publication, Alzheimer's in Focus

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