New Blood Test Detects Alzheimer’s 30 Years in Advance

About 5.7 million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Up until recently, doctors had no way of detecting the disease until symptoms had already presented and the disease was well underway. Now, a simple blood test might be able to detect the presence of plaque-forming proteins decades in advance, long before the disease they cause begins to develop.

Devastating and Costly

Alzheimer’s disease affects about 10% of people 65 and older. About two-thirds of those people are women. In 2018 alone, Alzheimer’s will cost Americans an estimated $227 billion in hospitalizations, day-care programs, in-home care, and treatment. That figure may increase to well over $1 trillion by 2050.

Early Detection Could Change Face of Disease

The new test, which analyzes the ratio of certain proteins in the blood, only requires a small amount  to sample. It’s able to detect the presence of compounds that coincide with amyloid beta and tau, which begin building up in the brain decades before they cause observable symptoms. The blood test can predict the disease in over 90% of those who will develop it. 

Since Alzheimer’s usually remains undetected until memory loss takes hold, many patients find themselves blindsided by their diagnoses. Earlier detection allows people to plan their treatment strategies, participate in clinical trials, and prepare emotionally and financially. When necessary, it also gives people an earlier cue to make lifestyle changes, such as improvements to diet, sleep, and exercise routines, which may slow disease onset. While there currently is no cure for Alzheimer’s dementia, promising research is underway, with more targeted therapies just around the corner. 

The Future of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s can be devastating and costly, but new advances could soon put the disease in its place. Improved treatment begins with improved testing and early detection. Hopefully, the next advances will bring us closer to a cure.