Washington, D.C. (October 13, 2023) – UsAgainstAlzheimer’s applauded today’s announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to remove the long-standing policy limiting Medicare coverage for PET scans to just one in a person’s lifetime. PET scans are a crucial tool in early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease, which makes the decision a momentous step forward in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s.  

PET scans reveal the presence and progression of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which are hallmark indicators of Alzheimer’s disease. These scans enable clinicians to assess the progression of the disease, aiding in the timely diagnosis and initiation of intervention strategies. With the information gleaned from PET scans, healthcare professionals can tailor treatment plans and lifestyle recommendations, potentially slowing the disease’s progression and improving the patient’s long-term outcomes. 

George Vradenburg, chair and co-founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, expressed his enthusiasm for this pivotal change, stating, “We applaud CMS for listening to patients and recognizing the importance of early and accurate Alzheimer’s diagnosis. This is particularly important because of Medicare’s requirement of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in order for patients to receive coverage for disease-modifying drugs like Leqembi. This decision empowers millions of Alzheimer’s patients and their families to make more informed decisions about their health. 

About UsAgainstAlzheimer’s

UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is engaged in a relentless pursuit to end Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading killer in America. Our work centers on prevention, early detection and diagnosis, and equal access to treatments regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. To achieve our mission, we give voice to patients and caregivers while partnering with government, scientists, the private sector, and allied organizations -- the people who put the “Us” in UsAgainstAlzheimer’s.