ALZHEIMER : SCIENCE
NEWS: Alzeihmer’s new blood Test
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Researchers have developed a new blood test to
detect Alzheimer’s disease that helps diagnose the disease even at the early
stage of mild cognitive impairment.
PrecivityAD2 Blood Test for Alzheimer's Disease
Overview
- Research
Institution: Lund University, Sweden
- Accuracy:
About 90% in identifying Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in individuals with
cognitive symptoms
- Publication:
"Blood Biomarkers to Detect Alzheimer Disease in Primary Care and
Secondary Care" by Sebastian Palmqvist et al, JAMA, July 28
Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
- A
serious brain disorder affecting mainly older individuals
- Leads
to memory loss and cognitive impairment
- Traditional
diagnosis involves expensive PET scans
PrecivityAD2 Blood Test
- Function:
Detects Alzheimer's by measuring specific proteins in blood
- Key
Proteins:
- Plasma
Phosphorylated-Tau217 (p-tau217): Linked to
neurofibrillary tangles
- Amyloid-Beta
(AB42 and AB40): Associated with brain plaques
Key Findings
- PrecivityAD2
is effective in detecting early-stage Alzheimer's
- Easier,
less invasive, and more affordable than PET scans
Importance
- Ease
of Use: Simple blood sample needed
- Cost-Effective:
More affordable than traditional methods
- Early
Detection: Facilitates early treatment and
management
Expert Views
- Howard
Fillit (Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation) suggests it could replace
PET scans as the primary diagnostic tool
Impact on India
- Growing
Elderly Population: Rising Alzheimer's cases
- Benefits:
Cost-effective, easy diagnostic method
- Requirements:
Training and preparation for doctors
Benefits of Early Detection
- Earlier
Treatment: May slow disease progression
- Better
Planning: Ensures support for patients and
families
- Clinical
Trials: Enables participation in new
treatment trials
Conclusion
- PrecivityAD2
is a significant advancement in Alzheimer's diagnosis, promising better
and earlier treatment globally, including in India.
Source
: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/what-is-the-new-alzheimers-blood-test/article68482512.ece#:~:text=Scientists%20at%20Lund%20University%20in,in%20people%20experiencing%20cognitive%20symptoms.