Blood Test for Alzheimer's Disease Shows Promise in Accuracy, Study Finds
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – In a groundbreaking study, a blood test emerged as a potential game-changer in Alzheimer's detection, proving as accurate as lumbar punctures.
Experts suggest that measuring levels of the protein p-tau217 in the blood could be equally effective in identifying signs of the progressive condition.
P-tau217 serves as a marker for biological changes in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, a form of dementia.
The potential of these findings is significant, with experts highlighting the possibility of revolutionizing Alzheimer's diagnosis.
This blood test could outperform various other tests currently in development.
In a study involving 786 participants, researchers utilized the ALZpath p-tau217 test to categorize patients as likely, intermediate, or unlikely to have Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer's Society, commented, "This study is a hugely welcome step in the right direction, showing that blood tests can be just as accurate as more invasive and expensive tests in predicting features of Alzheimer's disease in the brain."
The study suggests that results from these blood tests might be clear enough to eliminate the need for further investigations, potentially expediting the diagnosis pathway.
However, more research across different communities is needed to understand the effectiveness of these blood tests for everyone with Alzheimer's disease.
Currently, proving the presence of brain protein buildup requires invasive methods like lumbar punctures or amyloid PET scans, available in only about one in 20 NHS memory clinics.
A lumbar puncture involves inserting a needle into the lower back, between the bones in the spine.
Dr. Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, emphasized that measuring p-tau217 levels in the blood could be as accurate as lumbar punctures and superior to other tests under development.
While the study holds promise, a better understanding is necessary regarding how these blood tests perform in real-world healthcare systems.
Published in the Jama Neurology journal, the study by Dr. Nicholas Ashton at the University of Gothenburg and colleagues contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the potential of this particular blood test to revolutionize Alzheimer's diagnosis.
