U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Broward Health in Fort Lauderdale to discuss the Trump administration’s approach to Alzheimer’s disease, including efforts to improve early detection, accelerate research and provide greater support for patients and caregivers.
Alzheimer’s affects approximately 7 million Americans. In Broward County, more than 41,000 residents age 65 and older are estimated to be living with the disease.
“We see the toll Alzheimer’s disease takes not only on patients, but on the people who love them,” Broward Health CEO Shane Strum said during the event.
Kennedy, who has personal experience with the disease in his own family, shared that several relatives have faced Alzheimer’s, including his mother, who died last year.
The secretary outlined a national strategy focused on reducing risk, accelerating scientific discovery, improving diagnosis and advancing treatments and potential cures.
He also emphasized the need for more affordable, coordinated care and better services for caregivers, who often face significant challenges navigating the health care system while supporting loved ones.
“Families should not have to fight the health care system while they fight the disease,” Kennedy said.
As part of the administration’s efforts, the Food and Drug Administration announced the launch of what it calls the Alzheimer’s Prevention Accelerator, with nearly $50 million in funding for projects focused on earlier detection and intervention.
FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said the agency has authorized four blood-based tests designed to help assess Alzheimer’s-related pathology in patients experiencing cognitive symptoms.
The administration is also working with hundreds of technology companies, including developers of applications designed to help caregivers navigate the complexities of the disease.