Right now, a simple blood test can detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease — sometimes decades before symptoms appear. But most Americans can't access one unless they're already showing signs of the disease. That needs to change.

The FDA has cleared Alzheimer's blood tests for people who are already symptomatic. But Alzheimer's affects nearly 7 million Americans, and the science is clear that changes in the brain begin long before anyone notices a problem. Waiting until symptoms appear to test means waiting until it may already be too late to plan, prepare, or potentially slow the disease's progression.

We're calling on the FDA to expand access to Alzheimer's blood tests for adults who want them — not just those already showing symptoms. At the same time, we're asking that any access expansion include a requirement for pre- and post-test counseling. These are not simple tests with simple answers. A positive result doesn't guarantee you'll develop Alzheimer's. A negative result isn't a guarantee you won't. Some people who test positive never go on to develop the disease. Patients deserve to understand what they're signing up for before they take the test, and to have support in place after they get results.

Knowledge is power — but only when people have the tools to act on it. Expanding access without proper guidance sets patients up for confusion, fear, and potentially unnecessary treatment. Pairing access with mandatory counseling ensures that people can make truly informed decisions about their own health and futures.

People with a family history of Alzheimer's, caregivers trying to plan ahead, and older adults who simply want to understand their own brain health should not be shut out of a test that could give them more control over their lives. Give patients the option — and give them the support they need to use it wisely.