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A new Alzheimer\u2019s blood test recently approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can now detect the disease in people with early stages of the illness. The research that led to the finding was published in Friday\u2019s edition of <\/span>Alzheimer\u2019s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer\u2019s Association<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOur study found that blood testing affirmed the diagnosis of Alzheimer\u2019s disease with 95% sensitivity and 82% specificity,\u201d says corresponding author Gregg Day, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist, dementia specialist, and clinical researcher.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In other words, the tests detected Alzheimer\u2019s 95% of the time and ruled out people who did not have dementia 82 percent of the time.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAlzheimer\u2019s disease impacts too many people, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined,\u201d said FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H. \u201cKnowing that 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer\u2019s, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double, I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The way blood is tested for Alzheimer\u2019s disease is through use of the Lumipulse G p Tau217\/B-Amyloid Plasma Ratio.\u00a0 That measures the concentration of pTau217, which is a tau protein that forms tangles in the brain. It also measures B-Amyloid 1-42, which is a significant component of amyloid plaque in the blood. The ratio of those proteins is measured against any amyloid plaques in the brain to make a diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n The FDA\u00a0 cleared the blood test for quick use by designating it a<\/span>\u00a0Breakthrough Device<\/span><\/a>. That means its development, review, and approval were expedited.<\/span><\/p>\n Methods for diagnosing Alzheimer\u2019s Disease in its early stages have been expensive and invasive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Standard diagnostic measures usually start with a review of family history and cognitive and functional examinations. Those steps are relatively inexpensive and non-invasive. However, more detailed testing may include positron emission tomography (PET) or brain scans and spinal taps.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The new Alzheimer\u2019s testing is simply a blood draw. There is no need for extracting spinal fluid or imaging.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhen performed in the outpatient clinical setting, this is similar to the accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of the disease and is much more convenient and cost-effective,\u201d said Day.<\/span><\/p>\n Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers are proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids that can reveal diseases, particularly in the spine and brain.<\/span><\/p>\n Mayo\u2019s study was conducted at its Jacksonville, Florida, clinic. Around 500 patients who were being treated for memory disorders took part in the research. They were aged 32 to 89 years old.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The results showed that 56% were suffering from Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/span><\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s disease is an incurable brain disease. Usually, it progresses slowly over several years. However, in some individuals, it can move rapidly.<\/span><\/p>\n Researchers are trying to determine what causes the buildup of the protein deposits, primarily amyloid plaques and tau tangles, in the brain. However, <\/span>other factors are known to contribute to the development of Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/span><\/a>, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). They include:<\/span><\/p>\n Most areas of the brain are ultimately affected by the disease. That includes memory, cognitive functions, language, problem-solving, personality, and movement.<\/span><\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s disease generally moves through<\/span> five stages<\/span><\/a>, according to the Mayo Clinic. The preclinical phase does not exhibit signs of the disease and is usually only found through testing. This stage can last years \u2013 even decades.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Symptoms, such as slight memory loss and short-term thinking difficulty, appear in the mild cognitive impairment (MIC) stage. From there, the decline accelerates.<\/span><\/p>\n People live, on average, 3 to 11 years after diagnosis, reports the Mayo Clinic. However, some have lived over 20 years. Life expectancy is affected by how early a diagnosis is made, as well as the presence or absence of untreated vascular diseases such as high blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n The new Alzheimer\u2019s blood test is a milestone for researchers and patients. However, it is not a cure.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cToday marks another important step in Alzheimer\u2019s disease diagnosis,\u201d said Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., when the test was approved by the FDA. She is the Alzheimer\u2019s Association\u2019s chief science officer. \u201cFor too long Americans have struggled to get a simple and accurate diagnosis; with today\u2019s action by the FDA we are hopeful it will be easier for more individuals to receive an accurate diagnosis earlier.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Most people with Alzheimer\u2019s disease experience<\/span> symptoms in their mid-sixties or later<\/span><\/a>, according to the National Institute on Aging. In very rare cases, signs of the disease can appear in people in their thirties.<\/span><\/p>\n Early diagnosis is important to a patient\u2019s quality of life, even though there is no cure currently.<\/span><\/p>\n A <\/span>variety of treatments<\/span><\/a> target different aspects of the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n Donanemab<\/span><\/a>, marketed under the name Kisula, and<\/span> Lecanemab<\/span><\/a>, marketed as Leqembi, are two treatments for early-onset Alzheimer\u2019s disease. They both collect and remove <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>beta-amyloid from the brain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While not cures, these treatments have been shown to reduce the progression of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, according to the Alzheimer\u2019s Association. However, there may be side effects, including amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). That results in temporary swelling in areas of the brain.<\/span><\/p>\n Since 1983, June has been Alzheimer\u2019s and Brain Awareness Month<\/span>. That makes this the perfect time to focus on brain health.<\/span><\/p>\n You should consider talking to a doctor if you or a loved one is constantly having problems with memory, performing routine tasks, or thinking clearly.<\/span><\/p>\n The Alzheimer\u2019s Association has created 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia. They include:<\/span><\/p>\n There are many resources available to help individuals and families dealing with Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/span><\/p>\n The Alzheimer\u2019s Association provides the following links:<\/span><\/p>\n The NIA lists these resources:<\/span><\/p>\n NIA Alzheimer\u2019s and Related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center<\/span> This center provides free information, including print publications about Alzheimer\u2019s and related dementias for families, caregivers, and health professionals. ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources.<\/span><\/p>\n Alzheimers.gov<\/span> Information about Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia is provided here from all federal agencies.<\/span><\/p>\n Eldercare Locator<\/span> MedlinePlus<\/span> Alzheimer\u2019s Association<\/span>Highly Accurate<\/span><\/h2>\n
FDA Fast Tracked Approval<\/span><\/h2>\n
Less Expensive and Less Invasive<\/span><\/h2>\n
How The Study Was Done<\/span><\/h2>\n
What Causes Alzheimer\u2019s Disease<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Five Stages of Alzheimer\u2019s<\/span><\/h2>\n
Diagnosis \u2013 Not A Cure<\/span><\/h2>\n
Treatment<\/span><\/h2>\n
When To See A Doctor<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Other Sources Of Help<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>800-438-4380<\/span>
<\/span>adear@nia.nih.gov<\/span>
<\/span>www.nia.nih.gov\/alzheimers<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
<\/span>www.alzheimers.gov<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
<\/span>800-677-1116<\/span>
<\/span>eldercarelocator@USAging.org<\/span>
<\/span>https:\/\/eldercare.acl.gov<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
<\/span>National Library of Medicine<\/span>
<\/span>www.medlineplus.gov<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
<\/span>800-272-3900 <\/span>
<\/span>866-403-3073 (TTY)<\/span>
<\/span>info@alz.org<\/span>
<\/span>www.alz.org<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
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