Breakthrough blood tests show promise for faster Alzheimer's diagnosis

Recent advancements in blood testing have emerged as a promising new tool in the quest for earlier and more accurate Alzheimer's diagnosis.

New blood tests may revolutionize the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease by offering faster and more accurate results, according to research, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

However, the effectiveness of these tests varies significantly.

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s can be challenging, often requiring confirmation of the disease’s hallmark beta-amyloid protein buildup through invasive procedures like brain scans or spinal taps. Currently, many patients are diagnosed based on symptoms and cognitive assessments alone, which can lead to delays and inaccuracies.

Labs are increasingly offering blood tests that promise to detect Alzheimer’s disease by identifying specific biomarkers. While these tests have generated excitement for their potential, their widespread use remains limited due to a lack of comprehensive data on their reliability and utility. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved any of these tests, and insurance coverage is sparse.

Dr. Suzanne Schindler, a neurologist at Washington University in St. Louis, highlights the uncertainty surrounding these tests. "What tests can we trust?" she asks, noting that while some are highly accurate, others offer little better than random guessing.

The push for earlier Alzheimer’s diagnosis is growing, driven by the needs of the more than 6 million people in the U.S. and millions more globally who are affected by the disease. Alzheimer’s is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and abnormal tau protein, which lead to brain cell damage.

New treatments like Leqembi and Kisunla offer hope by modestly slowing symptom progression through the removal of amyloid plaques. However, these drugs are effective only in the disease’s earliest stages. Diagnosing at this critical time remains challenging, as traditional methods—such as invasive spinal fluid tests and expensive PET scans—are not always accessible or timely.

Even specialists can find it challenging to determine whether Alzheimer’s or another condition is causing a patient's symptoms.

Dr. Suzanne Schindler explains, “I frequently encounter patients whom I strongly suspect have Alzheimer’s disease, yet testing often returns negative results.”