Researchers develop promising blood test for early Alzheimer's detection
Scientists have developed a blood test that could identify Alzheimer's years before symptoms develop,
A new blood test could help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's disease and predict a person's risk of developing symptoms years before they appear, according to new research presented this week.
The screening test, known as the p-tau217 blood test, measures levels of phosphorylated tau 217, a protein linked to the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain — one of the hallmark signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers say the test may help determine whether people experiencing cognitive problems have Alzheimer's or another neurological condition.
The findings come from a recently published study in JAMA and additional research presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on July 14.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 2,700 cognitively healthy older adults across six research groups in Australia, North America and Japan.
The study found that participants with the highest levels of amyloid plaques had a 38% chance of developing early signs of dementia within five years.
Those with the second-highest plaque levels faced a 24% risk of developing Alzheimer's within five years, with that risk rising to 62% over 10 years.
While the blood test alone shows promise, experts caution that it is not yet accurate enough to predict an individual's future with complete confidence.
Dr. Suzanne Schindler of Washington University in St. Louis said the current tests "are not yet precise enough to guide individualized prognosis."
However, researchers found that combining the blood test with PET brain scans or lumbar punctures, along with neurological evaluations, significantly improved diagnostic accuracy—from 62% to 88%.
Rachel Buckley, an associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and the lead author of the published study, said the test could eventually be used similarly to screenings that estimate a person's risk of diabetes or heart disease.
Co-author Dr. Reisa Sperling of the Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute said the long-term goal is to give patients earlier information so they can make informed decisions about seeking treatment before symptoms become severe.
Despite the encouraging findings, experts stress that maintaining healthy lifestyle habits remains essential.
Sperling advised people to continue focusing on eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and staying socially engaged while research into early Alzheimer's detection continues to advance.
