Hope on the Horizon: New Alzheimer’s Breakthroughs (2024–2025) & What They Mean for Staten Island

Staten Island families touched by Alzheimer’s finally have reasons to feel optimistic. In the past 18 months, we’ve seen milestone approvals, new diagnostics, and encouraging prevention research that can translate into earlier answers and more treatment options here at home.

Below is a clear, local guide to what’s new—and how to take action in Staten Island.

1) Two disease-slowing treatments are now FDA-approved (with Medicare coverage pathways)

• Donanemab (Kisunla™) received full FDA approval on July 2, 2024 for people in the early symptomatic stages (MCI or mild dementia) with confirmed amyloid plaques. In trials, Kisunla slowed cognitive and functional decline by up to 35% and reduced the risk of progressing to the next disease stage by up to 39% at 18 months. U.S. Food and Drug Administration+1

• Lecanemab (Leqembi®) received traditional FDA approval in 2023, and Medicare broadened coverage following that decision; in July 2024, CMS confirmed coverage availability for Kisunla as well—similar to Leqembi—when clinical criteria and data-collection requirements are met. Speak with your neurologist about eligibility, monitoring (including ARIA risk), and costs under your specific plan. cms.gov+1

What this means locally: Staten Island patients who meet criteria—and can confirm amyloid via approved tests—can now discuss disease-modifying options with Northwell/SIUH or RUMC specialists (see resources below).

2) First FDA-cleared blood test can help flag amyloid pathology earlier

In May 2025, the FDA cleared the first blood test (Fujirebio’s Lumipulse pTau217/β-amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio) to aid in diagnosing Alzheimer’s by detecting biological changes associated with amyloid plaques. It’s not a stand-alone screen, but it can streamline pathways to definitive testing and treatment discussions. Expect doctors to use it alongside cognitive assessments and confirmatory imaging/CSF where appropriate. U.S. Food and Drug Administration+1

Local impact: Faster triage means Staten Island residents could move from “worry and wait” to a clearer next step without immediately needing invasive procedures.

3) Prevention & risk-reduction: lifestyle trials show promise

Intensive, multi-domain lifestyle programs (nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress reduction, social engagement) are showing measurable cognitive benefits for people at risk or in very early disease, though larger and longer trials are ongoing. Think of these as additive to medical care—not replacements. Harvard Gazette+1

Action for Staten Island families: Pair medical evaluation with a realistic lifestyle plan—walking groups on the Greenbelt, community fitness classes, sleep hygiene, and regular social engagement can matter.

4) What’s coming next?

Researchers continue to refine blood-based biomarkers, explore therapies that repair the brain’s clearance systems, and combine anti-amyloid with anti-tau and anti-inflammatory approaches. While some headlines are early-stage (e.g., mouse studies that improve waste clearance across the blood-brain barrier), they point toward multi-target strategies on the horizon. Discuss emerging trials with your care team before drawing conclusions from animal data. The Sun

Staten Island–Specific Resources (Diagnosis, Treatment & Support)

• Staten Island University Hospital (Northwell Health) – Neurology, Geriatrics & Memory Disorders resources; Northwell’s network also connects to the Litwin-Zucker Center for Alzheimer’s Research for trials and specialty care. siuh.northwell.edu+2siuh.northwell.edu+2

• Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) – Neurological rehab, palliative care, and support services for patients and caregivers. Richmond University Medical Center+1

• Community Memory Screening Initiatives (periodic) – Local partners (e.g., Richmond Behavioral Associates) have hosted free memory screenings; check current availability. Richmond Behavioral Associates+1

• Alzheimer’s Association NYC Chapter – Walk to End Alzheimer’s (Staten Island) – Annual event raising funds for care, support, and research. Alzheimer’s Association+2statenislander.org+2

How to ask about Kisunla or Leqembi: Call your neurologist’s office and ask about eligibility, required testing (amyloid confirmation), monitoring, and insurance/Medicare coverage steps. Bring a list of medications and a caregiver to appointments.

A Practical Pathway for Staten Island Families

1. Notice changes early. If memory, planning, or word-finding issues are new or worsening, book an evaluation with a local memory clinic.

2. Get the right tests. Ask whether a blood biomarker test is appropriate, and whether you qualify for confirmatory imaging/CSF. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

3. Discuss treatment fit. If you’re in the early symptomatic stage with confirmed amyloid, talk about Kisunla or Leqembi, benefits vs. risks (including ARIA), infusion logistics, and coverage. U.S. Food and Drug Administration+1

4. Stack the basics. Build a lifestyle plan (exercise, Mediterranean-style diet, sleep, blood pressure control, social engagement) alongside medical care. Harvard Gazette

5. Use local support. Tap caregiver education, respite, rehab, and palliative services on Staten Island to reduce stress and improve quality of life. Richmond University Medical Center+1

FAQs

Q1: Who qualifies for Kisunla or Leqembi?
Generally, early-stage patients (MCI or mild dementia) with confirmed amyloid pathology. Your neurologist will review safety, MRI monitoring needs, and insurance requirements. U.S. Food and Drug Administration+1

Q2: Will Medicare cover these drugs?
CMS provides broader coverage for Leqembi and, since July 2024, indicates coverage availability for Kisunla, typically with clinical criteria and data-registry participation. Always verify specifics with your plan and provider. cms.gov+1

Q3: Can a blood test diagnose Alzheimer’s by itself?
No. The new FDA-cleared p-tau217 blood test can aid diagnosis and speed triage, but positive results generally require additional clinical evaluation and confirmatory testing. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Q4: Are lifestyle changes enough to prevent Alzheimer’s?
They reduce risk and may improve cognition in at-risk individuals, but they’re complements to—not replacements for—medical care. Harvard Gazette

Q5: Where can Staten Island families start?
Contact SIUH/Northwell Neurology or Geriatrics for evaluation; RUMC for rehab and supportive services; and the Alzheimer’s Association NYC Chapter for caregiver resources and local events. Alzheimer’s Association+3siuh.northwell.edu+3siuh.northwell.edu+3

Community Note from Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Advisors LLC

As long-time Staten Island neighbors, we champion the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and share updates like this so families can act sooner and feel supported. If you’re a caregiver facing a housing transition—downsizing, estate planning, or accessibility modifications—our team can connect you with trusted local resources to make the move respectful, timely, and low-stress. (We’ll keep the focus on your family’s needs first.)

Sources & further reading

• FDA approval of Kisunla (donanemab) and pivotal outcomes; CMS coverage updates for Leqembi and Kisunla. cms.gov+3U.S. Food and Drug Administration+3investor.lilly.com+3

• FDA clearance of the first Alzheimer’s blood test (p-tau217/β-amyloid ratio). U.S. Food and Drug Administration+1

• Lifestyle and prevention research highlights. Harvard Gazette+1

• Staten Island resources: Northwell/SIUH, RUMC, Alzheimer’s Association NYC Walk. Alzheimer’s Association+4siuh.northwell.edu+4siuh.northwell.edu+4