Incidence of Alzheimer’s in the US
Alzheimer’s disease prevalence in the U.S. rises sharply with age, reflecting a critical public health challenge. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5% of adults aged 65–74, 13.1% of those aged 75–84, and 33.3% of individuals over 85 live with Alzheimer’s dementia.1 This equates to approximately 7.2 million Americans aged 65+ affected in 2025, with projections nearing 13.8 million by 2050.2 The disease disproportionately impacts older adults, women, and marginalized communities, with Black and Hispanic populations facing higher rates due to systemic disparities in healthcare access and social determinants of health.1 The economic burden exceeds $384 billion annually, driven by medical costs and unpaid caregiving, underscoring the urgency for early detection and prevention strategies.1
Innovations in early detection: AltPep’s SOBA-AD test
Addressing the need for earlier diagnosis, AltPep’s SOBA-AD blood test represents a promising development in Alzheimer’s detection.3 It targets toxic amyloid-beta oligomers linked to disease progression and offers a non-invasive, cost-effective alternative to traditional methods like PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.3 With high sensitivity and specificity validated across multiple cohorts, SOBA-AD received FDA Breakthrough Device designation in 2022.4 Its ability to identify biomarkers years before symptoms appear may enable more timely interventions and supports ongoing research into preventative neurology.5 While these advances are certainly encouraging, it is important to note that early detection tools are still being evaluated for their impact on long-term outcomes and are not yet a substitute for regular medical care or consultation with a healthcare provider.4
Potentially complementary interventions: NIRS neurofeedback training
In addition to early detection, research continues to explore the potential of preventative strategies such as brain training using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-enabled neurofeedback.6 This technique provides real-time feedback on prefrontal cortex activity during cognitive tasks and is being studied as a possible tool to support cognitive resilience in adults with normal brain function.7 Some studies suggest that real-time feedback during mentally stimulating activities—such as learning a language, solving puzzles, or mastering a new skill—may enhance aspects of memory, attention, and processing speed. For example, a 2024 trial found that healthy adults using NIRS neurofeedback during problem-solving exercises achieved a modest improvement in memory retention compared to those without feedback.8 However, while these findings are promising, more research is needed to determine the long-term effects and practical benefits of such interventions.9
A note on prevention and medical advice
While early detection and cognitive training technologies offer exciting possibilities, there is no definitive evidence that brain training or neurofeedback can prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in healthy adults. These approaches should be viewed as complementary to, not replacements for, established medical guidance and healthy lifestyle practices.10
Sources
1 Alzheimer’s Association 2025 Facts and Figures
2 Alzheimer’s Association Health Equity Resources
3 Blood test for early Alzheimer’s detection
4 SOBA-AD Test Sensitivity and Specificity (Nature)
5 AltPep SOBA-AD Test FDA Breakthrough Designation
6 NIRS Neurofeedback Study (PMC8774006)
7 Cognitive Training with Neurofeedback Using fNIRS Improves Cognitive Function in Older Adults
9 Does Cognitive Training Prevent Cognitive Decline?: A Systematic Review
10 Alzheimer's Association - Memory Loss and Confusion
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on cognitive health and Alzheimer’s disease prevention.