Breakthrough Screening Tool For Alzheimers

A new research study indicates that measuring levels of a specific protein known as phosphorylated tau, or p-tau, in the blood could serve as an effective early screening tool for Alzheimer’s disease, demonstrating “high accuracy” even before the onset of symptoms.

This study focused on detecting a critical Alzheimer’s biomarker called p-tau217 in blood samples.

This biomarker rises concurrently with the accumulation of other harmful proteins — beta amyloid and tau — in the brains of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s.

Presently, the detection of beta amyloid and tau accumulation in the brain typically requires a brain scan or spinal tap, procedures that can be expensive and not easily accessible.

One present method to confirm the accumulation of these proteins in the brain is through a lumbar puncture or an amyloid PET scan. However, these procedures are only accessible in roughly 5% of NHS memory clinics.

The process of a lumbar puncture requires the insertion of a needle into the lower back area, specifically between the spinal bones.

In a report released Monday in JAMA Neurology, this straightforward blood test was shown to be as much as 96% accurate in detecting increased levels of beta amyloid.

Also up to 97% accurate in identifying tau.

The ALZpath pTau217 assay, employed in the recent study, is a product of ALZpath. This commercially developed tool, provided at no charge by the company for the study, is presently designated for research purposes only.

Author

Michelle

As a passionate advocate for women's health and beauty, Michelle has dedicated her life to empowering women of all ages. As a previous beauty therapist, Michelle keeps to a regular beauty and fitness regime. At 53 she's has gained a lot of experience from her previous business and loves writing on topics that offer advice and help other middle-aged women, especially on health and beauty

View all posts