Advancements in Alzheimer’s Research
RECENT BREAKTHROUGHS SHOW PROMISE
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It affects 10 percent of adults over age 65 and kills more people each year than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Scientists have studied the disease extensively for decades, but 
clinical trials and new drug tests consistently yielded disappointing results. In recent months, however, there have been substantive advancements in the identification and treatment of the disorder. While none of these breakthroughs are a cure, there is evidence that some new solutions may delay the progression of the disease, which gives families time for planning and treatment-making decisions. Progress has been made in the way of brain imaging and gene editing. Another exciting development is a new blood biomarker that can detect the beginnings of tau pathology, which senses the build-up of amyloid protein in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. And the FDA has approved new drugs that have been shown to delay the memory loss that occurs with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Kisunia and Lequembi are two such drugs. New advancements in blood testing and epidemiology are also driving progress toward more effective treatment solutions.
Scam Alert
SCAMMERS ARE TARGETING AMERICA’S VETERANS
Veterans need to watch out for a scam in which fraudsters tell them they have received excessive federal benefits and must send money or they will be hit with serious penalties.
In this overpayment scam, criminals “typically pressure veterans to pay outstanding fees immediately and directly to them instead of through official VA payment channels,” according to the Veterans Administration. The scammers
masquerade as government employees and use VA logos and official-sounding language in their text messages and emails to gain the trust of victims. Their phone calls often come with fake caller IDs. The scammers may demand that victims provide money, personal financial information – or both. Those who do not comply are threatened with a high financial penalty or prosecution, according to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). Payment may be requested in the form of cryptocurrency or gift cards, the MOAA added.
FTC advice includes:
Make certain you are dealing with the VA. Visit VA.gov or contact the VA’s debt management call center at 1-800-827-0648.
If you do need help, contact a VA accredited representative. These individuals generally do not charge upfront fees.
Protect your personal VA identification data. Never give out passwords or login credentials.
Congressional Budget Office Hacked
COMMUNICATIONS DISRUPTED ON CAPITOL HILL
Hackers, believed to be from overseas, infiltrated the computer system of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in an ongoing data breach that prompted emergency measures.
The breach, discovered in early November, caused staffers to avoid digital communications with the nonpartisan office that provides critical information to lawmakers.
“Do NOT click on any links in emails from CBO,” officials warned, according to Politico. Investigators suspect a foreign actor may be responsible. CNN reported that China may be behind the breach.
Government / Legislative Update
DOJ & NYS FOCUS ON ELDER FRAUD PREVENTION
Senior neurologist with MRI scan of human head in clinic
Senior neurologist with MRI scan of human head in clinicOn November 17th, the US Department of Justice released its 2025 Annual Report to Congress on Department of Justice Activities to Combat Elder Fraud and Abuse.
On December 2, 2025, the New York State Assembly Standing Committees on Aging, Banking, and Children and Families held a hearing on elder fraud. EverSafe was the only private sector company invited to testify.
Happy Birthday, Dick Van Dyke
ICONIC ACTOR TURNS 100 ON DECEMBER 13
Dick Van Dyke, the Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award-winning actor beloved for Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Dick Van Dyke Show, turns 100 on December 13. In his book 100 Rules for Living to 100, he credits giving up alcohol and cigarettes for his longevity.
A documentary, Dick Van Dyke 100th Celebration, will screen nationwide on December 13th and 14th.
