The US Has Recently Approved The First Blood Test For Alzheimer’s Disease

On Friday, the United States approved the first blood test for Alzheimer’s, a decision that could enable patients to start treatment sooner with newly approved medications that slow the progression of this debilitating neurological disease.

New Blood Test for Alzheimer’s

The test, created by Fujirebio Diagnostics, analyzes the ratio of two proteins in the blood. This ratio is linked to amyloid plaques in the brain, a key indicator of Alzheimer’s, which until now could only be detected through brain scans or spinal fluid tests.

“Alzheimer’s disease affects an overwhelming number of people—more than both breast cancer and prostate cancer combined,” said Marty Makary, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.

“Given that 10 percent of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, and that this figure is expected to double by 2050, I am optimistic that new medical treatments like this one will assist patients,” said Makary.

Fujirebio Diagnostics’ Blood Test Offers Hope for Earlier Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Currently, two FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer’s are lecanemab and donanemab. These drugs actively target amyloid plaques in the brain, which contribute to the progression of the disease. While they have shown promise in slightly slowing cognitive decline, they do not offer a cure for Alzheimer’s.

Supporters of intravenous antibody treatments, including many neurologists, argue that these therapies can provide patients with a few extra months of independence and are likely to be more effective if administered earlier in the disease’s progression.

In clinical trials, the blood test yielded results that were mostly consistent with positron emission tomography (PET) brain scans and spinal fluid tests.

“Today’s approval is a significant advancement in Alzheimer’s diagnosis, making it easier and potentially more accessible for patients in the US at earlier stages of the disease,” said Michelle Tarver from the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

The clinical environment approves the test for use in patients showing signs of cognitive decline, and clinicians must consider the results alongside other clinical data.

Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent type of dementia. It progresses over time, slowly taking away individuals’ memories and independence.

Read the original article on: Sciencealert

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