America is entering a new era in the fight against Alzheimer’s. For the first time, we have tools to detect the disease earlier and intervene when it matters most. Science is moving quickly, and our healthcare system now has the opportunity to speed those innovations to patients — but only if good policy paves the way.Having worked with seniors in Florida for many years, I see the impact of Alzheimer’s on older adults, caregivers, and families. The disease slowly steals everything — memories, independence, and everyday joys — while putting an enormous emotional and financial burden on American families. I am working to understand those struggles and shape our nation’s strategy to address them.I see tremendous promise in earlier detection and prevention. I also see the growing urgency of the Alzheimer’s crisis and the gaps that could leave us unprepared to address it. More than 7 million Americans, including nearly 600,000 Floridians, are living with Alzheimer’s. Today, patients wait an average of 3.5 years to receive a dementia diagnosis, often after significant memory loss and irreversible cognitive decline. Families are left responding to crisis instead of getting diagnosed early and having the opportunity to plan, prepare, and pursue early interventions that can bring more time with loved ones.