Alzheimer’s Blood-Based Biomarker Tests

RICHMOND, Va. — Roger Harris was one of the more than 2,700 people who took part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Saturday at Richmond’s City Stadium, November 2024.

The grandfather credited his family’s support for much of his strength after he was diagnosed with the disease five years ago. “It’s been a little hard because things don’t come to mind quickly,” Harris acknowledged. “I generally find the words, but it takes a while. There are some words that do not come, and I can’t talk real fast. But I have to slow up — and think about what I’m going to say.”

Harris is undergoing medical transfusions to help try to slow the progression of the disease, which has no cure. “This medicine that they have given me seems to help a lot, but we’ve got a long way to go,” he said. Harris, who shared his story on stage at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk, believes the group’s work is critical to care, support, and research that could lead to a cure.

“This is amazing,” Harris said. “What they have put together here is incredible.”  “Stay in charge and don’t let it get you!”

Key Details of His Story:

• Family Connection: Roger has a deep family history with the disease; both his father and grandfather suffered from Alzheimer’s.
• Treatment Journey: He is currently enrolled in a clinical trial involving biweekly infusions of medication (transfusions). He credits these treatments with slowing the progression of his disease, stating that without them, he would likely be “at home in bed”.
• Blood Tests & Advocacy: During his speech, he highlighted the importance of early detection and the promise of new blood-based biomarker tests that are becoming a reality for families.
• Support System: His wife is his primary supporter, and his daughter, Anna Harris (Managing Director at Fahrenheit Advisors), is a major advocate and leader for the Richmond Walk.
• The “10 Families” Context: His participation is often linked to the broader local impact where a small, dedicated group of families (often cited as 10 local families in regional awareness campaigns) is among the first in the area to access these cutting-edge infusion treatments.