RFK Jr urges Alzheimer’s screening but blunts key panel that could drive research
Summary
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for better screening for Alzheimer’s disease. However, a key federal expert panel that advises on health screenings, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), has not met for over a year, delaying important recommendations on cognitive decline screening.Key Facts
- The USPSTF, which advises on preventive health services, has been unable to meet since March 2025 due to government actions.
- The Trump administration fired two taskforce chairs and has not filled many vacancies on the panel.
- The USPSTF had planned to recommend guidelines on cognitive decline screening this year along with other health topics.
- Alzheimer’s researchers say progress is slowed by these delays and funding disruptions.
- Health Secretary Kennedy criticized the panel for inaction and emphasized the need for better Alzheimer’s screening.
- The National Institutes of Health remains the largest federal funder of Alzheimer’s research.
- About 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, with around 200,000 middle-aged Americans also diagnosed.
- Alzheimer’s screening currently depends on noticing symptoms and performing cognitive tests followed by specialist referral.
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