#United States #Red Bank #cognitive health #Midlife Women #Alzheimer's Testing

New Survey Insights on Alzheimer's Testing for Women

A recent national survey conducted by The Harris Poll for HealthyWomen reveals that the majority of midlife women are proactive about their cognitive health. Notably, 90% of participants aged 45 to 64 expressed openness to undergoing a simple blood test that could help diagnose Alzheimer's disease at an early stage. This statistic highlights a significant readiness among women regarding their cognitive health, as many seek to take charge of their well-being.

However, the survey results also showcase a stark disparity between women's readiness for testing and their healthcare experiences. Only 9% of women reported that their healthcare providers had broached the topic of cognitive health in their consultations. Furthermore, a concerning 13% of respondents were aware of the FDA-approved blood tests available to aid Alzheimer's diagnosis, despite the reality that women are statistically more likely than men to develop this debilitating condition.

Presented at the American Association for Nurse Practitioners (AANP) National Conference, the survey results signal an urgent need for healthcare providers to have meaningful conversations with their patients about cognitive risk and the importance of early detection.

Beth Battaglino, RN-C and CEO of HealthyWomen, stated, "For too long, conversations about Alzheimer's have been shaped by stigma and fear. This survey indicates that women want a different narrative—one where they can understand their risks and be equipped with knowledge about early detection for informed decision-making regarding their brain health."

The survey results highlight the urgent and fundamentally important role of awareness in combating Alzheimer's. Among the women surveyed, one-third reported a family history of Alzheimer's or dementia. Additionally, 26% mentioned that they had noticed changes in their memory or thinking. However, knowledge regarding personal risk and screening options remains vastly underestimated.

• - Only half of the respondents felt knowledgeable about their own risk factors for Alzheimer's.
• - Approximately two-thirds were unaware that women have a higher likelihood than men to develop the condition.
• - Only 10% of respondents were familiar with the FDA-cleared blood biomarker tests that can support or rule out an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

The survey suggests that provider engagement could influence testing uptake. An impressive 90% of women indicated they would be more inclined to pursue testing if recommended by a healthcare provider. Moreover, two-thirds expressed an increased willingness to undergo blood biomarker testing if they were informed of existing lifestyle modifications and medications that could potentially slow Alzheimer's progression.

Tools to facilitate these crucial discussions are already available. Resources like the AANP's Cognitive Health Point-of-Care tool and the AAFP Cognitive Care Kit are designed to assist healthcare providers in assessing cognitive risk, encouraging brain-healthy habits, and supporting patients and families through early recognition of cognitive health issues.

As women increasingly express a desire for proactive measures in managing their cognitive health, it is vital that healthcare providers rise to the occasion. To learn more about Alzheimer's early testing and to access valuable resources, visit HealthyWomen.

Survey Methodology

The Cognitive Health Screening Survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of HealthyWomen, involving 2,000 women ages 45 to 64 who have not been diagnosed with any cognitive impairments. Conducted from May 7 to 19, 2026, the survey's findings have been statistically weighted to reflect accurate population proportions. With a precision level reliable within ±2.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, the outcomes are significant and deserve attention.

About HealthyWomen

HealthyWomen has been a leading non-profit health information source for women, focusing on empowering them to make informed health decisions for nearly 40 years. For comprehensive information on women's health and wellness issues, visit HealthyWomen.org. Engage with HealthyWomen on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the latest updates.