A straightforward blood test designed for detecting Alzheimer’s disease holds the potential to revolutionize early diagnosis of the condition.
A straightforward blood test designed for detecting Alzheimer’s disease holds the potential to revolutionize early diagnosis of the condition.
According to new research, this test can detect Alzheimer’s disease with “high accuracy,” even before the onset of visible symptoms.
Furthermore, this finding may reduce the need for painful and invasive lumbar punctures, which are commonly used to diagnose this neurodegenerative disease.
Measuring the levels of a biomarker
This new test works by measuring levels of a protein known as phosphorylated tau or p-tau217 in the blood. This protein acts as a biological marker for the changes that occur in the brain throughout Alzheimer’s disease.
This biomarker rises in tandem with the deposition of other harmful proteins, including beta-amyloid and tau, in the brains of those afflicted by the disease.
Notably, experts believe that this blood test might identify Alzheimer’s disease symptoms as accurately as lumbar punctures.
Reportedly, this blood test may be able to detect Alzheimer’s up to 15 years before symptoms emerge, marking a significant advancement in early diagnosis.
Trials with 786 individuals
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg conducted a comprehensive study involving 786 individuals.
The blood test was used to determine a patient’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease based on the levels of p-tau217 in their blood.
The ALZpath pTau 217 assay test (ALZpath) exhibited the ability to categorize patients as likely, intermediate, or unlikely to have Alzheimer’s disease.
Elevated p-tau217 levels in the blood showed a higher chance of the disease or its advanced stages.
This classification may reduce the need for additional invasive examinations, providing a less intrusive and more accessible approach to Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
“Everybody over 50 could be routinely screened every few years, in much the same way as they are now screened for high cholesterol,” David Curtis from the University College London told the Independent.
Curtis added: “The combination of a simple screening test with an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease would have a dramatic impact for individuals and for society.”
Currently, the standard way for confirming the existence of Alzheimer ‘s-associated proteins in the brain is to do lumbar punctures or scans, which are only accessible at a restricted number of NHS memory clinics.
The blood test’s potential widespread acceptance might pave the way for Alzheimer’s disease early diagnosis and treatment.
Reportedly, this blood test might cost between $200 and $500.
The details were published in the journal JAMA Neurology.
Study abstract:
Importance Phosphorylated tau (p-tau) is a specific blood biomarker for Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology, with p-tau217 considered to have the most utility. However, availability of p-tau217 tests for research and clinical use has been limited. Expanding access to this highly accurate AD biomarker is crucial for wider evaluation and implementation of AD blood tests.
Objective To determine the utility of a novel and commercially available immunoassay for plasma p-tau217 to detect AD pathology and evaluate reference ranges for abnormal amyloid β (Aβ) and longitudinal change across 3 selected cohorts.
Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study examined data from 3 single-center observational cohorts: cross-sectional and longitudinal data from the Translational Biomarkers in Aging and Dementia (TRIAD) cohort (visits October 2017–August 2021) and Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP) cohort (visits February 2007–November 2020) and cross-sectional data from the Sant Pau Initiative on Neurodegeneration (SPIN) cohort (baseline visits March 2009–November 2021). Participants included individuals with and without cognitive impairment grouped by amyloid and tau (AT) status using PET or CSF biomarkers. Data were analyzed from February to June 2023.
by: Mrigakshi Dixit
published on Interesting Engineering