Two New Adult Alzheimer’s Blood Tests Approved by FDA

According to the CDC, 6.9 million Americans 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, making up about 60% to 80% of all cases. Yet, experts think there may be a significantly higher number of undiagnosed Alzheimer’s patients. In connection with these findings, the Food and Drug Administration has authorized a new blood test from Roche and Eli Lilly that helps identify Alzheimer’s disease symptoms in those over 55.

What Are These Tests?

C2N Diagnostics’ PrecivityAD2 test
Patients 50 and up exhibiting mild cognitive impairment or dementia symptoms and being evaluated for Alzheimer’s disease or other types of cognitive decline are the target audience for this blood test. This test only requires a blood draw and tells you whether you are likely to have amyloid plaques in your brain—a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
Elecsys Phospho-Tau (217P) Plasma Test
Doctors can find brain problems linked to Alzheimer’s disease with a simple blood test that can confirm or rule out these changes. It is easier and less painful than other tests because a normal blood sample is used, which means diagnosing Alzheimer’s could be done faster, more easily, and with less risk.

Its Significance

OLD	NEW
To ascertain the presence of amylase associated with Alzheimer’s, patients must undergo brain imaging or spinal taps, both of which are uncomfortable and painful.	Merely needs a needle puncture or a blood sample.

Conclusions Based on the Data

The results of these tests should be considered in conjunction with other clinical data, as they are not intended to be used in isolation to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease.
Assists primary care physicians in identifying whether the patient suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or an other underlying ailment responsible for memory impairment, thereby conserving both time and financial resources.
Facilitates the early detection of the disease by primary care providers and streamlines the treatment of patients.

Since antibody-based Alzheimer’s disease treatments are only allowed for people with mild to moderate dementia, having a variety of blood tests that can find abnormal brain pathology early could give more people the chance to get treatments that change the course of the disease.

Who is Dr. Kothari?

Dr. Priti Kothari is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in treating children, adolescents, and adults, based in Boca Raton. She concentrates on ADHD, anxiety, and challenges with executive functioning, offering evidence-based help to improve daily efficacy and general wellness.