A new blood test could aid in the diagnosis and reveal the extent of Alzheimer’s disease progression.
Exciting advancements in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnostics are emerging, including a new blood test that could revolutionize early detection and disease monitoring. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Developments:
Blood-Based Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s
Researchers have identified specific proteins in the blood that correlate with Alzheimer’s pathology, including:
Phosphorylated Tau (p-tau217, p-tau181) – Strongly associated with amyloid and tau plaques in the brain.
Amyloid Beta 42/40 Ratio – Indicates amyloid buildup, a hallmark of AD.
Neurofilament Light (NfL) – Marks neurodegeneration, showing disease progression.A 2024 study in JAMA Neurology found that a p-tau217 blood test could predict Alzheimer’s with 89–96% accuracy, rivaling costly PET scans or invasive spinal taps.
Tracking Disease Progression
Blood tests may soon help determine how far Alzheimer’s has advanced by measuring:
Early-stage (preclinical) AD – Elevated p-tau217 + abnormal amyloid.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD – Rising NfL + tau.
Late-stage AD – Very high NfL + severe tau/amyloid imbalance.
Advantages Over Current Methods
Faster & Cheaper – Blood tests, like those for blood sugar or complete blood count, can cost around ₹500, while PET scans can range from ₹10,000 to ₹40,000+ depending on the type of scan and location.
More Accessible – Could be done in primary care settings, enabling earlier intervention.
Monitoring Treatment Response – Useful for clinical trials and future anti-amyloid/tau therapies (e.g., lecanemab, donanemab).Current Status & Challenges
Not Yet FDA-Approved for Diagnosis – But companies (e.g., Quest Diagnostics, C2N Diagnostics) are rolling out commercially available tests (e.g., PrecivityAD2).
False Positives/Negatives Possible – Some non-AD dementias may show similar markers.
Still Needs Validation – Larger, diverse population studies are ongoing.When Could This Be Available?
Some tests (e.g., ALZpath p-tau217) are already used in research and select clinics.
Widespread clinical use could happen in 2–5 years if validation succeeds.Why This Matters
Early detection could allow:
✔ Timely lifestyle interventions (diet, exercise, cognitive training).
✔ Eligibility for new anti-amyloid drugs (most effective in early stages).
✔ Better clinical trial recruitment for future therapies.
Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350453
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/accurate-blood-test-alzheimer-s-disease
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