Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 7 million Americans, and that number is expected to grow as the population ages. But researchers now know that changes in the brain can begin years — even decades — before symptoms appear, creating new opportunities for prevention, early detection, and treatment.
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Christina Chen talks with Dr. Heather Snyder, Senior Vice President of Medical & Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer’s Association, about the latest breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research, risk reduction, early diagnosis, and emerging therapies. They explore what we know about genetics, lifestyle factors, blood biomarkers, and how everyday choices may help support long-term brain health.
In this episode:
• The difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Early warning signs and risk factors
• Genetics and Alzheimer’s risk
• Brain health and aging
• The role of sleep, exercise, and nutrition
• Hearing loss and cognitive decline
• New blood tests for Alzheimer’s detection
• FDA-approved Alzheimer’s treatments
• Emerging therapies and clinical trials
• Practical steps to support brain health today
Whether you're concerned about your own cognitive health, caring for a loved one, or interested in the future of Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment, this conversation offers evidence-based insights and reasons for hope
Looking for more Aging Forward episodes? Explore the full podcast library: mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcasts/aging-forward
0:00 Introduction to Alzheimer’s disease
1:21 Understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia
3:18 Prevalence and growing impact
4:43 Prevention and brain health foundations
6:42 Non-modifiable risk factors explained
7:50 Modifiable risks and lifestyle changes
10:24 Sleep, hearing, and brain health
14:13 Physical activity and healthy aging
15:38 Early detection and new blood tests
19:01 Genetic testing and risk assessment
21:07 Treatments and emerging therapies
25:35 Research advances and future outlook
30:51 Aging forward with brain health
From Mayo Clinic to your inbox (free):
mayocl.in/3e71zfi
Visit Mayo Clinic:
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Connect with Mayo Clinic:
Facebook: facebook.com/mayoclinic
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Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 7 million Americans, and that number is expected to grow as the population ages. But researchers now know that changes in the brain can begin years — even decades — before symptoms appear, creating new opportunities for prevention, early detection, and treatment.
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Christina Chen talks with Dr. Heather Snyder, Senior Vice President of Medical & Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer’s Association, about the latest breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research, risk reduction, early diagnosis, and emerging therapies. They explore what we know about genetics, lifestyle factors, blood biomarkers, and how everyday choices may help support long-term brain health.
In this episode:
• The difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Early warning signs and risk factors
• Genetics and Alzheimer’s risk
• Brain health and aging
• The role of sleep, exercise, and nutrition
• Hearing loss and cognitive decline
• New blood tests for Alzheimer’s detection
• FDA-approved Alzheimer’s treatments
• Emerging therapies and clinical trials
• Practical steps to support brain health today
Whether you're concerned about your own cognitive health, caring for a loved one, or interested in the future of Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment, this conversation offers evidence-based insights and reasons for hope
Looking for more Aging Forward episodes? Explore the full podcast library: mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcasts/aging-forward
0:00 Introduction to Alzheimer’s disease
1:21 Understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia
3:18 Prevalence and growing impact
4:43 Prevention and brain health foundations
6:42 Non-modifiable risk factors explained
7:50 Modifiable risks and lifestyle changes
10:24 Sleep, hearing, and brain health
14:13 Physical activity and healthy aging
15:38 Early detection and new blood tests
19:01 Genetic testing and risk assessment
21:07 Treatments and emerging therapies
25:35 Research advances and future outlook
30:51 Aging forward with brain health
From Mayo Clinic to your inbox (free):
mayocl.in/3e71zfi
Visit Mayo Clinic:
mayocl.in/2COVmlm
Connect with Mayo Clinic:
Facebook: facebook.com/mayoclinic
Instagram: instagram.com/mayoclinic
X: https://x.com/MayoClinic
Threads: threads.net/@mayoclinic
