Conant Urges 3.5-Year Diagnosis Gap Fix to Expand Alzheimer's Treatment Access

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 6

Americans wait an average 3.5 years for a dementia diagnosis, and Rachel Conant says that delay is blocking access to newly available Alzheimer's treatments that can slow early-stage cognitive decline.
Conant is pressing Medicare to require standardized cognitive assessments at initial and annual wellness visits, arguing earlier screening would catch decline during the window when intervention matters most.
She also urged Congress to pass the ASAP Act so Medicare would cover FDA-approved Alzheimer's diagnostic tests for eligible patients, speeding confirmation of disease.
The push reflects a shift from years spent seeking research breakthroughs to a new policy fight over access, as blood tests and first-generation disease-modifying treatments begin to reach patients.