By Dr. Ranjan Duara
In South Florida, Alzheimer’s disease is more than a medical challenge—it is a growing public health priority. Nearly half a million Floridians are currently living with the disease, and that number is expected to rise sharply in the coming years. Meeting this challenge requires earlier diagnosis, effective treatments, and comprehensive support systems that reflect the diversity of our state.
At Mount Sinai Medical Center, our work through the Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC)—a National Institute on Aging–funded collaboration between the University of Florida, University of Miami, Florida International University and Florida Atlantic University, transforming how we approach Alzheimer’s care and research in South Florida. Our mission: provide the most accurate diagnoses, deliver the treatment and care to the patient and the patients’ loved ones that improves quality of life today while advancing research that shapes the future of treatment and prevention.
Detecting Alzheimer’s Earlier
Alzheimer’s begins years before symptoms become obvious. At the Wien Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders, we combine detailed patient history, neurological and psychiatric examination, advanced brain imaging, blood biomarkers, and culturally relevant cognitive testing to detect these changes earlier than ever before.
Earlier diagnosis gives patients and families valuable time to plan, begin treatment, and access support services. This proactive approach enables eligible individuals to participate in clinical trials, potentially accessing emerging therapies before they become widely available.
Beginning in January 2026, the arrival of Leonard Sokol, M.D., will expand our diagnostic, treatment, and research capabilities. Dr. Sokol, a neurologist with expertise in behavioral neurology and palliative care, joins us from Scripps Clinic in San Diego, where he focused on conditions such as Lewy Body Dementia.
Treatments for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias
The treatment landscape for Alzheimer’s is undergoing revolutionary transformation. We are advancing beyond symptomatic treatments—which provide temporary relief but don’t alter underlying disease—to groundbreaking disease-modifying therapies targeting neurodegeneration’s root causes.
The most promising developments involve antibody treatments that target pathologic proteins in the brain. These therapies remove beta amyloid plaques and show potential for targeting abnormal tau protein tangles. Additionally, researchers are exploring treatments addressing brain inflammation, cerebrovascular disease, and metabolic disorders including diabetes—all contributors to cognitive decline.
The future lies in personalized combination approaches. By integrating disease-modifying treatments with symptomatic therapies and evidence-based lifestyle interventions, we are seeing encouraging results that promise to transform Alzheimer’s management.
Comprehensive Support for Families
Alzheimer’s impacts entire families. Our care model is built to support everyone involved, offering counseling, caregiver training, and community resource access. This approach reduces caregiver burnout, improve patient safety, and maintains quality of life.
We also lead the Florida Brain Bank, a statewide program that provides definitive diagnoses through brain donation. This initiative not only advances research but also gives families clarity and closure.
Research Designed for Our Community
As part of the 1Florida ADRC, we conduct studies reflecting South Florida’s unique demographics. Many participants are Hispanic or bilingual—groups historically underrepresented in Alzheimer’s research. By ensuring inclusivity, we develop diagnostic tools, treatments, and support programs that work for all populations.
Our research includes innovative caregiver interventions like CuidaTEXT, a bilingual text-messaging program providing daily tips to Spanish-speaking caregivers. Each project directly impacts lives today while moving us closer to a cure.
Collaboration for Statewide Impact
Our role in the 1Florida ADRC connects Mount Sinai to leading institutions accelerating research translation into patient care and ensuring advancements reach our community faster.
Alzheimer’s is a complex challenge that no single institution can solve alone. By combining patient-centered care, rigorous research, and strong partnerships, we are building a future where earlier diagnoses, better treatments, and stronger support systems are within reach for every family in South Florida.
Dr. Ranjan Duara is Medical Director, Wien Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center.