Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis Breakthrough: Blood Test Shows 90% Accuracy

July 28, 2024, 7:00 AM

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, developing a blood test that is 90% accurate in identifying the condition.

The test, which has been granted a breakthrough designation by the FDA, is the result of years of research by scientists at Roche. The test, known as the Elecsys plasma assay, searches for specific biomarkers in the blood that are associated with Alzheimer's disease.

In a study published in the journal Neurology, researchers found that the blood test was able to accurately identify Alzheimer's disease in patients with cognitive symptoms seen in primary care and at memory clinics. The test was also able to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, such as vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia.

The development of a blood test for Alzheimer's disease is a major step forward in the fight against this devastating disease. Currently, the only way to definitively diagnose Alzheimer's disease is through a brain biopsy, which is an invasive and expensive procedure. A blood test would be a much less invasive and more affordable way to diagnose the condition.

The researchers hope that the blood test will eventually be able to be used to screen for Alzheimer's disease in people who are at risk for the condition. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is critical to ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.