Blood Test Approved to Aid in the Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
It is estimated that Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia, will significantly rise in the coming years. While there is no cure, there have been strides made in both diagnostic tools and medications.
One of those advancements is an Alzheimer’s blood test that was approved in May by the FDA to help aid in diagnosis. The test, from Fujirebio Diagnostics, looks for abnormal levels of amyloid and tau proteins in the blood. These accumulations that occur in the brain are referred to as plaque, and are hallmark signs of Alzheimer’s. Experts say the blood test’s prediction of the disease has an approximately 90 percent accuracy rate.
The other good news is the new test is less invasive as well as less costly than previous tests used to diagnose patients with Alzheimer’s such as PET scans and spinal taps. It also helps to rule out other reasons for a person’s cognitive decline. With FDA approval, experts say the new test will be commonly used in symptomatic patients.
The test is currently approved for people with symptoms of cognitive impairment aged 55 years and older. As we know the medications used to treat Alzheimer’s work best in the early stages of the disease but do have significant side effects, a patient would not want to take them before ruling out other causes of memory impairment. Moreover, although Alzheimer’s starts in a person’s brain years earlier than symptoms appear, the new test is not currently approved for healthy people who would like to rule out a later diagnosis or those that are simply curious.
At MorningStar at North Ridge, we offer compassionate memory care to those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our community not only provides an atmosphere of safety and well-being but also encourages and supports choice and independence whenever possible. Residents participate in recreational and purposeful activities, including exercise, music, life skills, and art, as well as outings and special events. Above all, MorningStar residents are treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted dementia care in Albuquerque.
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