The science of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is changing rapidly. Advances in biomarkers, diagnostics, treatments, and prevention could allow clinicians to identify disease earlier than ever before, sometimes even before noticeable symptoms emerge.

In this special episode of The Health Advocates, recorded for Steven Newmark’s visit to London for the 2026 World Dementia Council Summit, Steven explores what this new era could mean for patients, caregivers, and health systems.

What happens when someone receives a diagnosis before they feel sick? Are health systems prepared for greater demand for testing and treatment? How could AI, digital tools, and biomarkers change dementia care? And how do we make sure scientific progress reaches patients equitably?

Steven examines why the next challenge in dementia may not simply be advancing the science, but building the policies, infrastructure, workforce, and patient support needed to put that science into practice.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorectal cancer screening can save lives, yet millions of eligible Americans still do not complete recommended screening. Could a simple blood draw help reach some of the people who currently go unscreened?

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark speaks with Dr. Sam Asgarian, Chief Medical Officer at Guardant Health, and Oliver Rocroi, Advocacy Relations Officer at Guardant Health, about the emerging role of blood-based colorectal cancer screening.

They discuss how these tests work, who may qualify, their benefits and limitations, what happens after a positive result, and how blood-based testing fits alongside colonoscopy and stool-based screening. The conversation also explores the broader public health question of whether giving people additional screening options could help overcome barriers and lead to more cancers being detected earlier.

Plus, Oliver rejoins the program with an important update on recent changes to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and what those developments could mean for future consideration of newer colorectal cancer screening options.

The message for patients remains simple: understand your risk, know your screening options, and talk with your healthcare provider about the approach that makes sense for you.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a serious inflammatory condition that affects blood vessels, primarily in adults over 50. Its symptoms can be difficult to recognize, and without prompt diagnosis and treatment, GCA can lead to serious complications, including permanent vision loss.

In this episode of The Health Advocates, host Steven Newmark speaks with Connecticut State Representative Tom O'Dea about his personal experience living with GCA. Representative O'Dea shares his journey from the first signs that something was wrong to receiving a diagnosis, navigating treatment, and managing the condition while balancing the demands of public service.

Together, they explore the challenges of recognizing a relatively uncommon disease, the impact of GCA on everyday life, and why greater awareness and early intervention are so important.

For more information about GCA, including symptoms, treatment options, research, and patient resources, visit https://ghlf.org/gca/.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.