Republicans could sway 2026 swing voters by leading on Alzheimer’s

A new op-ed by Charles Sauer in the Washington Examiner argues that Republicans have a major political opportunity to connect with seniors, independents, and swing voters by leading on Alzheimer’s prevention, early diagnosis, and expanded access to treatment.

Drawing on new polling from the Market Institute conducted by Fabrizio Ward, Sauer explains that voters overwhelmingly support reforms that improve access to Alzheimer’s diagnostics and FDA-approved treatments while reducing insurance and bureaucratic barriers that delay care.

“Voters are looking for leaders willing to put patients before bureaucracy and insurance companies.”

According to the polling highlighted in the piece:

• 79% of voters are more likely to support candidates who prioritize better access to Alzheimer’s detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
• 89% say Medicare and private insurance restrictions are blocking patients from receiving FDA-approved treatments.
• 92% support the Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act, which would allow Medicare to cover future FDA-cleared blood tests for Alzheimer’s screening.

Sauer notes that Alzheimer’s is no longer viewed as a niche issue. More than 7 million Americans are currently living with the disease, and voters increasingly worry about both the emotional and financial burden it places on families.

“Ninety-two percent say earlier detection and treatment can save families emotionally and financially.”

The article also highlights the story of Michigan patient Lori Baetz, who lost access to an FDA-approved treatment after transitioning off employer-sponsored insurance despite medical evidence showing the treatment was helping stabilize her condition.

Sauer argues that stories like Baetz’s reinforce growing voter frustration with healthcare bureaucracy and insurer-imposed barriers to care.

“By a margin of 78% to 10%, voters say Americans deserve access to promising Alzheimer’s treatments now, even if those treatments slow disease progression rather than cure the disease outright.”

In a crowded and polarized election environment, the piece concludes that candidates who focus on practical issues affecting families directly may have an opportunity to break through politically — particularly by advocating for reforms that expand access to Alzheimer’s care and diagnosis.

Read the full article from the Washington Examiner.