New Alzheimer’s Test Shows 90% Accuracy in Diagnosing Early-Stage Dementia—Who Should Get It and When
With blood tests, the wait time for new Alzheimer’s treatment could drop up to as little as six months
Imagine a simple blood test that could reveal if you’re at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, years before symptoms become severe. A new study shows that this could be a reality. For those at risk of this type of dementia, this breakthrough test could mean an earlier and more accurate diagnosis. And if accurate blood tests are used, wait times for treatment may drop to as little as six months.
To understand this further, we spoke to Alessio Travaglia, PhD, PMP, Director of Translational Science and Neuroscience at the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. Here’s what you need to know about the new Alzheimer’s and dementia test and how it may impact future treatment and prevention.
What is the Alzheimer’s and dementia test?
“A blood test for Alzheimer’s disease works by detecting specific substances in the blood that are linked to the disease,” says Dr. Travaglia. “These include proteins called amyloid-beta and tau, which are found in abnormal levels in people with Alzheimer’s disease.” This specific blood test has shown a 90 precent accuracy in diagnosing Alzheimer’s, even at the early stages of cognitive decline.
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“A blood test for Alzheimer’s is a game-changer because it offers a simple, non-invasive and affordable way to detect the disease early,” explains Dr. Travaglia. “Early detection is important because it can lead to earlier treatment and better planning for the future.”
Details of the Alzheimer’s and dementia test study
The findings about this groundbreaking test were published in the journal JAMA. Researchers from Lund University in Sweden conducted an extensive clinical trial involving 1,213 participants with an average age of 74. These individuals underwent cognitive evaluations in both primary care and specialty clinics in Sweden.
The study found that the combined blood test was far more accurate for a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s than traditional diagnostic tests, which can include a brain scan like a CT scan, PET scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other imaging tests that use radio waves to take images of your brain. “The standard of care for diagnosing Alzheimer’s typically involves a combination of clinical assessments, brain imaging and sometimes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis to detect amyloid-beta and tau proteins,” says Dr. Travaglia.
In comparison, dementia specialists have 73 percent accuracy, while primary care doctors only 61 percent. This high accuracy makes it a promising tool for early detection, or to rule out other conditions, especially when traditional methods often fall short.
When will the Alzheimer’s and dementia test become available?
While the Alzheimer’s blood test shows great promise, it is not yet available for routine use in a doctor’s office. Dr. Travaglia also cautions, “the widespread use of blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease in clinical practice has been limited by a lack of robust data validating their accuracy. Doctors need to know which tests can be trusted,” he explains. In other words, this type of dementia test still needs further verification with more diverse populations beyond Sweden. The tests also lack approval by the FDA, coverage from most insurance plans and guidelines for usage in primary care settings.
According to Dr. Travaglia, “a blood test will eventually be a useful tool, but it’s important to talk to a doctor to understand what the results might mean. Right now, the tests show much potential, but it’s still too early to rely on them as definite predictors of Alzheimer’s.”
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects memory and cognitive functions. It’s the most common cause of dementia, a condition characterized by a decline in thinking, memory and behavior. There are over 400 types of dementia, from vascular dementia to alcohol related brain damage. Various medical conditions often present symptoms that mimic dementia, including vitamin B12 deficiency and hypothyroidism. Twice as many women live with the disease than men, accounting for almost two-thirds of the more than 5 million Americans. If you have a family member with Alzheimer’s, you are 30% more likely to develop it yourself.
“Some early signs of Alzheimer’s include memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty planning or solving problems, trouble with familiar tasks and confusion with time or place,” explains Dr. Travaglia. “If you or a loved one notices these symptoms, it’s important to see a neurologist, who can provide a thorough evaluation and discuss the best steps forward.”
How to prevent Alzheimer’s disease
For women entering midlife, the risk of Alzheimer’s becomes a growing concern. Early detection is crucial. But while there is no surefire way to prevent it, research suggests that certain lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk or slow the progression in up to 40% of cases. Dr. Travaglia breaks them down below:
- Stay mentally active: “Engage in brain-challenging activities like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills.”
- Maintain regular physical exercise: “Exercise improves blood flow to the brain, supports cardiovascular health and is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline.”
- Have a healthy diet: “A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats is linked to better brain health.”
- Keep up the social engagement: “Regular interaction with family, friends or community groups can help keep your brain active and reduce feelings of loneliness.”
- Manage your cardiovascular health: “Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol can increase Alzheimer’s risk.”
- Prioritize quality sleep: “Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to cognitive decline, and addressing sleep disorders may reduce the risk of dementia.”
- Avoid Smoking and limit alcohol: “Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline.”
More on supporting brain health:
Experts Share the 8 Best Brain Foods to Boost Focus, Prevent Memory Loss and More
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
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