Blood test could revolutionise Alzheimer’s diagnosis for those Over 50
Recent research suggests that simple blood tests might soon help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease more quickly and easily than current methods, like costly brain scans or uncomfortable spinal taps.
Researchers in the UK have been working on this promising approach as part of a £5 million project launched last year. Their aim is to make it possible for people to receive a diagnosis within seconds through the NHS within five years.
A study has now evaluated an existing commercial blood test that could be just as effective, if not better, than spinal taps and expensive scans in detecting Alzheimer’s signs in the brain. This is particularly important because new medications, like donanemab and lecanemab, can slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients, but they require proof that amyloid—a protein associated with the disease—is present in the brain.
Dr. Nicholas Ashton from Gothenburg University in Sweden emphasized the benefits of a blood test: “It’s simply not feasible to perform spinal taps and brain scans on everyone who might need it worldwide. This is where the blood test could really shine.”
Even in places where new treatments aren’t available, these tests can still provide valuable information. “It can help identify whether a person has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia,” Dr. Ashton noted, which can guide the best treatment options.
In the journal Jama Neurology, researchers highlighted that the protein p-tau217 is a key biomarker for changes in the brain related to Alzheimer’s. Previous studies have shown it can help differentiate Alzheimer’s from other types of dementia and even detect the disease in those with mild cognitive impairment.
Currently, the availability of blood tests for research and clinical use is limited. To address this, researchers are evaluating a commercial blood test called ALZpath, which is expected to be available for clinical use in the UK soon.
The research involved analyzing data from trials in the US, Canada, and Spain, with 786 participants, both with and without cognitive impairment. Patients underwent lumbar punctures or amyloid PET scans to identify amyloid and tau proteins—key markers of Alzheimer’s. The team then compared these results with the ALZpath blood test findings.
The analysis showed that the blood test was as accurate as the lumbar punctures and better than brain scans in identifying Alzheimer’s signs. “80% of individuals could be definitively diagnosed through a blood test alone,” Dr. Ashton stated.
David Curtis, a professor at University College London, suggested that blood tests could be a routine screening for everyone over 50, similar to how we check for high cholesterol.
However, Dr. Ashton advised caution. “While the blood test can indicate the presence of amyloid in the brain, it’s important that it’s used in conjunction with other assessments, especially for those showing memory concerns.”
Dr. Richard Oakley from the Alzheimer’s Society welcomed the findings, noting that they represent a significant step forward. “This research indicates that blood tests can accurately predict Alzheimer’s features without the need for more invasive tests, which could significantly speed up the diagnosis process.”
He added that more research is needed to ensure these blood tests are effective for everyone living with Alzheimer’s.
In summary, the development of blood tests for Alzheimer’s diagnosis is a hopeful advancement that could lead to faster, easier identification of the disease, helping many seniors receive the care they need sooner.
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