RALEIGH, N.C. — As the population of North Carolina continues to age, the fight against Alzheimer’s disease is entering a critical and hopeful new chapter. Christine John Fuller, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Eastern North Carolina Chapter, is leading efforts to expand awareness, improve early detection, and support both patients and caregivers across the state.
“With baby boomers entering the 65-plus age group—the highest-risk category for Alzheimer’s—we are seeing rising case numbers,” Fuller said. “But this increase also reflects a positive trend: we’re getting better at detecting, diagnosing, and understanding the disease.”
More than 210,000 North Carolinians aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s. An even larger, often invisible population supports them: the unpaid caregivers. These are family members and friends who often sacrifice their own health and employment to care for loved ones, frequently without recognition or formal support.
“We’re working every day to lighten the load for caregivers,” Fuller said. “The toll it takes—emotionally, physically, and financially—is staggering.”
A major part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s work involves advocating for greater understanding in the workplace. Through programs like “Alzheimer’s in the Workplace,” companies learn how the disease affects both employees who may be caregivers and those living with the condition themselves. “We want employers to recognize the realities their employees face and create supportive environments,” Fuller added.
While Alzheimer’s has long been seen as a disease of old age, Fuller emphasized that nearly 200,000 Americans have been diagnosed before the age of 65. Early diagnosis is crucial—not just for treatment, but for patients to participate in planning their futures, including financial and end-of-life decisions.
However, early detection remains a challenge. “Families often wait for doctors to bring it up, and doctors may wait for families,” she said. “That delay can cost valuable time.”
In recent years, there has been a seismic shift in treatment options. Two FDA-approved therapies now offer a groundbreaking advancement: they slow the progression of the disease, giving patients more time to engage in life, family, and decision-making. Meanwhile, healthy lifestyle changes—such as regular physical activity, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation—are increasingly shown to help reduce risk and improve quality of life.
To meet growing needs, the Alzheimer’s Association has rolled out new tools, including a self-guided early stage app to help newly diagnosed individuals understand their journey and access local resources. “Every stage of the disease brings different challenges—for both the patient and the caregiver. We’re here to help them navigate each step,” Fuller said.
Looking ahead, the Association’s top priorities include expanding access to testing, promoting early diagnosis, and advocating for policies that support families. One key initiative currently moving through the North Carolina General Assembly is a bill that would ensure insurance coverage for biomarker testing—critical for detecting early disease activity.
“Biomarker tests like PET scans, MRIs, and lumbar punctures are effective but can be costly or inaccessible. Blood-based biomarker tests could revolutionize early detection—especially in rural areas where specialists are scarce,” Fuller noted. “But it’s not just about access. We also need clear clinical guidelines for when and how these tools are used.”
Despite the challenges, Fuller remains optimistic. “We are in an era of treatment. We have tools that didn’t exist just a few years ago. And more are coming,” she said. “With every research breakthrough, we’re unlocking new doors toward additional treatments—and maybe even a cure.”
As the battle against Alzheimer’s continues, Fuller is calling on communities, policymakers, and healthcare providers to come together with urgency—and with hope.
“We have more promise now than ever before,” she said. “But we must act.”
