New blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease are showing promise in diagnosing the condition faster and more accurately. The tests detect certain signs of Alzheimer’s in blood, eliminating the need for brain scans or spinal taps, which are difficult to obtain. Currently, there is little data to guide doctors on which tests to order and when, and the FDA has not formally approved any of the tests.
One study conducted in Sweden found that blood testing for Alzheimer’s was 91% accurate, compared to 61% accuracy for primary care doctors’ initial diagnoses and 73% for specialists’ initial diagnoses. The most promising blood test measures p-tau217, which correlates with plaque buildup in the brain and can help determine if Alzheimer’s is the cause of memory loss.
Several companies are developing p-tau217 tests, and guidelines for the appropriate use of blood tests for Alzheimer’s are being developed. For now, doctors should only use blood testing in individuals with memory problems after confirming the accuracy of the test ordered. The tests are not for those without symptoms, as amyloid buildup can begin years before memory problems appear.
Overall, blood tests for Alzheimer’s show great potential in providing faster and more accurate diagnoses, especially for primary care physicians who see a large number of patients with memory issues. While the tests are not widely used yet, ongoing research and development are expected to lead to more widespread adoption in the future.
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