New Blood Test Detects Alzheimer's Indicators Very Early

Researchers from the United States’ University of Pittsburgh and Sweden’s Lund University have developed a new blood test capable of detecting biomarkers and indicators of Alzheimer’s disease in the blood up to 15 years before clinical symptoms appear, with an accuracy exceeding 90 percent.

The study, published on the website of the journal Nature Medicine, relies on measuring levels of the proteins p-tau217 and B-amyloid in the blood, which are biomarkers associated with the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain.

Involving approximately 3,200 participants from Sweden and the United States and following them over a decade, the results showed that changes in these proteins can be predicted well before memory deterioration occurs, offering an opportunity for early intervention.

• High accuracy: The test’s accuracy in identifying individuals who would develop Alzheimer’s disease within five years reached 92 percent.

• Ease of implementation: The test can be performed in standard laboratories without requiring advanced technologies.

• Early access: Researchers are working to commercialize the test within two years, with an expected cost of less than $500.

Dr. Miranda Collins, the study’s lead author, stated: “This new test will change the game in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, as it enables preventive intervention at a very early stage, thereby increasing the chances of success for future treatments.”