Voters Are Ready For Alzheimer's Action, New Polling Shows

Alzheimer's disease is not just a public health challenge – it is a deeply personal issue for millions of American families. A new poll from the Market Institute makes clear that voters from across the political spectrum expect their elected leaders to treat it that way.

Nearly nine in ten voters believe Alzheimer’s is a serious national problem and believe fighting it should be a national priority. These findings were consistent among voters regardless of geography or partisan affiliation.

Alzheimer’s Disease is Personal For Most Voters

Fifty-eight percent of voters report that a family member or friend has been affected by Alzheimer's disease, and 70% are personally concerned about their own future diagnosis. There was near unanimous agreement (94) that caregiving for someone with Alzheimer's places enormous emotional and financial strain on families.

Voters See a Broken System

Voters are also deeply concerned about being blocked from accessing the care their doctors recommend. According to the survey, 89% of voters are concerned that insurance delays, physician reluctance due to coverage uncertainty, and out-of-pocket costs are keeping patients from getting the treatments they need.

Policy Solutions Have Broad Support

Voters are not simply identifying the problem. They are ready to back specific solutions. 92% support the Alzheimer's Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act, which would allow Medicare to cover FDA-cleared blood tests for early screening.

In key battleground states including – Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania – voters said that a candidate who prioritizes expanding coverage and removing access barriers to early Alzheimer’s detection, diagnosis, and treatment through Medicare and private health insurance would be more likely to earn their vote

As one Republican focus group participant from Ohio put it:

"If somebody actually said the word Alzheimer's in their platform to get elected, people would notice, because it is different."

The Time to Act Is Now

The science has advanced. The treatments exist. The public is ready. What remains is for policymakers to act.

Congress should move swiftly to pass the ASAP Act and ensure Medicare coverage keeps pace with FDA innovation.

Time is not a luxury Alzheimer's patients have. Every day policy stays behind medical progress is another day that patients lose ground they cannot get back.