New, accurate test could detect Alzheimer’s early, study says

(Gray News) – It’s the most common type of dementia, according to the National Institutes of Health, and a new study suggests a simple blood test that screens for Alzheimer’s disease may be a step closer to reality.

In a new study published by JAMA Neurology, researchers said a simple blood test has “high accuracy” in not only detecting Alzheimer’s but catching the disease even before symptoms begin to show.

The test screens for a type of protein called phosphorylated tau or p-tau.

”It shows that very promising, that correlates how likely somebody has this abnormal high level of p-tau in the blood may have those amyloid plaques in the brain,” said Dr. Babak Tousi, a geriatric medicine specialist at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland Clinic.

The test used in the new study is a commercially available tool.

It’s currently available for research use only, but researchers said it’s expected to be available for clinical use soon, as it is “urgently needed to guide timely treatment decisions.”

When it comes to Alzheimer’s, the earlier the detection of the disease, the better.

“We can maybe change the trajectory and progression of disease better in earlier stage,” Tousi said.

He said this test is much less invasive, less expensive and potentially more accessible than traditional screening tools, which could get those at high risk for the disease help earlier.

”This one is more tailored, more customized, and people have better understanding if you really are heading to a Alzheimer direction or if it’s not and it’s negative, it has its own value to explore other alternatives for cognitive changes,” Tousi said.

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