A recent study has shown that a new blood test may be able to accurately identify individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in the United States have presented evidence that blood-based diagnostics can effectively detect dementia by analysing two specific proteins found in blood plasma.
These proteins, amyloid beta 42/40 and p-tau217, are linked to the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain, a defining feature of Alzheimer’s.
The test demonstrated a high degree of accuracy, with a sensitivity rate of 95%, meaning it was successful in identifying individuals with memory issues in the vast majority of cases. Its specificity was 82%, indicating it was also effective at correctly ruling out those who did not have dementia.
According to the WHO, an estimated 57 million people were living with dementia globally as of 2021.
The study was conducted with over 500 participants at a memory clinic, providing real-world insights. The test has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Notably, patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s exhibited elevated levels of p-tau217 compared to those without the condition.
Future research aims to test the effectiveness of this blood-based approach in more diverse groups, including individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s who have not yet shown signs of cognitive decline.
