A blood test can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease
The diagnosis of the presence or absence of Alzheimer’s disease is now possible with a simple blood test after the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first test to recognize neurodegenerative disease.
The test, developed by the Japanese Fujirebio Diagnostics, analyzes the blood levels of two proteins located in the blood plasma-PTAU-217 and beta-amyloid 1-42-associated with amyloid plaque in the brain. The ratio between them is related to the presence or absence of amyloid plaques in the patient’s brain. Amyloid plaques in the patient’s brain are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
The test replaces the need for invasive spinal punctures or expensive PET scans.
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Clinical trials showed 91.7% accuracy for positive results and 97.3% for negative results. Less than 20% of 499 patients tested have obtained an indefinite result for Lumipulse G PTAU217/β-amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio.
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thought skills. About 10% of people over 65 develop it. It is estimated that about 35 million people suffer from the disease, which is incurable. Available medications slow down development and help regulate the symptoms.
