Alzheimer’s research has come a long way in recent years. Blood tests to identify an abnormal protein called ptau217 can mean diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms like memory loss show up.

Early intervention is key, says Dr. Rany Aburashed, a neurologist and CEO of Neurogen Biomarking.

“The whole game now is determining as early as possible if you have these plaques developing in the brain. The earlier we know, before the symptoms are significant, the more we can interact and actually change the disease itself.”

The blood tests identify sticky amyloid plaques and tangled fibers, which are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s based on biology instead of symptoms means early interventions could reduce progression or severity of Alzheimer’s symptoms later in life.

“Just because you have a genetic predisposition, it does not mean you’re going to progress to dementia […] but you can only change that if you’re in front of it,” says Dr. Aburashed.

Some people have genetic predispositions, and lifestyle factors in 40’s, 50’s and 60’s can trigger the disease, especially drinking alcohol and smoking, adds Dr. Aburashed.

The FDA approved several new tests for Alzheimer’s diagnosis this year.

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The University of Michigan is ending gender-affirming care for minors, leaving an untold number of families with fewer options and greater uncertainty.

Gender-affirming care for minors is legal in Michigan, and major medical and mental-health associations recognize it as best practice. Research links it to lower depression and suicide risk. 

But a Michigan Medicine spokesperson said in a prepared statement that the risks of offering this care are now too high. This comes after it received a federal subpoena as part of a criminal and civil investigation into gender-affirming care for minors.

“We recognize the gravity and impact of this decision for our patients and our community. We are working closely with all those impacted,” the statement reads.

The announcement represents a profound loss for families. For some young people, it means a place they felt safe and could trust is closing its doors. And the consequences are real: more anxiety, more depression, greater risk of suicide.

Equality Michigan’s Emme Zanotti joined Robyn Vincent to discuss the impacts on Michigan families. Zanotti, a trans woman, also took off her advocate hat to reflect on the personal reverberations she feels at this moment.

Michigan Medicine did not respond to an email request about the number of patients who will be affected and how the hospital plans to assist patients during this transition. 

Editor’s Note: After this conversation aired, Corewell Health, a major healthcare provider in Michigan, also announced the end of its gender-affirming care. 

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