HHS Updates National Alzheimer's Plan With Four New Goals
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a 2026 update to the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias on Oct. 22, shifting federal strategy toward prevention, earlier detection and faster development of diagnostics and treatments. The update replaces the plan's six prior goals with four: reducing dementia risk across the lifespan, speeding prevention and treatment innovation, improving care from diagnosis through transitions, and strengthening services for patients and families. Ten HHS agencies are tied to related initiatives, including an FDA Alzheimer's Prevention Accelerator and up to $48.8 million in new ARPA-H funding for early detection research, bringing ARPA-H's total Alzheimer's investment to $155.3 million. HHS will also expand dementia training and screening at health centers and test a lifestyle intervention for beneficiaries with mild cognitive impairment, with progress reported in a 2027 update.