DEAR ABBY: After decades of research, I'm thrilled with the recent major progress being made in treatments for people who already have symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. I'm hoping that, one day, we will be able to prevent people from developing memory impairment and dementia.

Brain changes, including the buildup of a toxic protein into amyloid plaques, begin up to 20 years before a person notices any symptoms. This "asymptomatic" stage may be the perfect time to test treatments aiming to delay or prevent symptoms before they begin.

This is why we are conducting the AHEAD Study, an investigational trial of lecanemab, an FDA-approved medication for mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. The AHEAD Study is testing whether starting lecanemab in those with amyloid plaques before symptoms start can help prevent cognitive decline.

As a neurologist, a clinical researcher and someone who has seen Alzheimer's in my own family, I'm grateful we are seeing such progress in our field. But, Abby, we need help from your readers to test these promising medications before the devastating symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are apparent. Those interested in the AHEAD Study should call 800-243-2370 or visit AHEADstudy.org to help us get ahead of Alzheimer's. -- REISA SPERLING, M.D., PROFESSOR OF NEUROLOGY, HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL

DEAR DR. SPERLING: Thank you for your letter. Readers, more than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's. Changing the trajectory of the disease before symptoms appear is an important scientific pursuit. Clinical trials hold the key to new and better Alzheimer's disease treatments.

Approximately 55,000 volunteers are needed for more than 180 clinical trials. In addition to the AHEAD study, the Alzheimer's Association offers TrialMatch, a free service that connects people living with dementia, caregivers and healthy volunteers to clinical trials. Clinical trial volunteers are key to better treatments, prevention strategies and a future cure for Alzheimer's disease. Visit trialmatch.alz.org or call 800-272-3900 to learn more.

DEAR ABBY: My daughter is married with two kids. They live a few hours away. I love seeing them, but I have just one issue. She constantly corrects the way I pronounce words. No one ever mentioned it before she did. A lot of the pronunciations are how my family members and people in my state pronounce them.

She started criticizing me after she lived in three different states. It has reached a point where I dread seeing her. I feel self-conscious, and my self-esteem gets shot down every time I do. When I tell her it hurts me, she says I'm being "too sensitive." I don't know what I should do. -- HURTING OVER THIS

DEAR HURTING: People who make comments that hurt other people's feelings and then tell them they are "too sensitive" are rude and passive-aggressive. What you should do is tell your arrogant daughter to knock it off because you have had it.

DEAR ABBY: I have been dating my boyfriend, "George," for 17 years following our divorces. I have three grown children. He has four -- two of whom are still at home. We have never lived together.

My daughter and George's son (still at home) had a crush on each other when they were teenagers. Fast-forward 10 years -- they have reunited and expressed their love for one another. Although George cares deeply for all my children, I'm afraid he feels my daughter may not be the best choice for his son. She is unemployed and has health issues, and his family's opinions (they are VERY outspoken and value a strong work ethic) weigh heavily on his son.

George "parents" his adult children who are still living with him. (George stayed home until he got married at 30.) His parenting style includes hollering at his kids when they're not tending to their chores or his directives or they're staying out all night. This could possibly come between us. I should add, he's always been good to me in every way. What do you think of all this? -- LESS CERTAIN IN THE EAST

DEAR LESS CERTAIN: What I think should have no bearing on any of this. The "children" are all adults. You can't orchestrate their lives for them. You and George need to calm down and let this scenario play out. Que sera, sera.

DEAR ABBY: My daughter, a smart, lovely, professional young woman, was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. She graduated summa cum laude from graduate school, and I am obviously very proud of her.

The problem is, she seems depressed and has gained a lot of weight (50-plus pounds) on her small frame. I know she's sensitive about her weight, but when I visit her, she does not watch what she's eating, and her sweet-aholic boyfriend either doesn't care or is unaware of the damage diabetes can have on an overweight person.

My father was diabetic and died at 55. By then, he was blind, and every part of his body had been affected by this terrible disease. I need to do something, but I don't know how to approach her about this. I don't want to alienate her, but I know she's headed down a very destructive path if she doesn't take better care of herself. Please give me some ideas on how to HELP. -- ALARMED DAD IN THE SOUTH

DEAR DAD: Have an in-person conversation about this with your daughter and include her boyfriend. Explain to them that diabetes can run in families and can cause severe damage if ignored and left untreated, as you already know. Is your daughter aware that diabetes caused your father's disability and premature death? She needs to know.

It is crucial that she consult an endocrinologist and learn to manage her condition, which may involve medication, modification of her diet and a regular schedule of exercise. Tell her you love her and will help her if she would like. Then cross your fingers that she will listen and her boyfriend will stop being her enabler.

DEAR ABBY: My wife is a very attractive 56. For years she has wanted Botox treatments. Recently, it has become more serious because she feels she looks like a grandmother. I (and others) continue to tell her how great she looks, especially when she dresses up.

I also tell her Botox is a short-term fix and will require subsequent treatments. Additionally, with each treatment, she will risk potential problems of infection, allergic reaction or medical mistakes. I remind her of the treatments that have gone wrong and that none of those women went to their doctors asking to look like a retired boxer.

At this point, I'm concerned she may be depressed about aging and wants to do something to improve her looks, but I'm standing in her way. I love her just as she is, and I don't want her to do anything that ultimately could do damage. To me, the ultimate "depression" would be doing something harmful that can't be corrected. Please advise me. -- LOVES HER THE WAY SHE IS

DEAR LOVES: You clearly adore your wife and want what is best for her. That's why you should consider scheduling a consultation for both of you with a board-certified dermatologist who can explain the benefits and risks of using Botox. It may put some of your concerns to rest.

When administered by a medical professional, there is little risk of a bad outcome. While you are correct that the effects last only a few months, Botox is popular among women in her age group and those even younger. The only drawback is that it isn't cheap. (During your discussion, you may also want to ask about other products that are available and last longer, such as fillers.)

DEAR ABBY: I let a friend who was going through a hard time stay on my couch when he would get too drunk to drive. Eleven years later, he's still here. I told him from the beginning not to get hooked or fall in love with me, because I knew I would never feel the same.

He has taken over my home with his collections but won't sell anything. He also doesn't pay any bills. I do not like his drinking. I am sober. He yells and screams for sex, but I don't give in. I told him he needs to move on.

I'm on disability and a fixed income. Legal eviction? Restraining order? He has threatened to walk away and leave me to deal with all his junk. Help! -- INVADED IN MISSOURI

DEAR INVADED: You have been too kind for far too long. Before doing anything, talk with an attorney because of the length of time you have allowed this person to live with you (rent-free). If you can't afford legal counsel, reach out to your local Legal Aid or Legal Services office.

If the freeloader agrees to go, leaving his "collections" behind, you may be able to sell or donate the items. Should he refuse to leave your home, you may have to formally evict him which, depending upon the laws in your state, could be complicated without legal guidance.