A new federally approved blood test for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease has been validated by researchers at Jacksonville’s Mayo Clinic, marking a major step forward in early detection of the debilitating condition.
In a study involving nearly 500 patients at Mayo’s Memory Disorder Clinic, researchers confirmed the accuracy of the test, which detects the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain — a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The participants, ranging in age from 32 to 89, were being treated for a wide spectrum of memory-related disorders, including early- and late-onset cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s (typical and atypical forms), Lewy body dementia and vascular cognitive impairment. Here’s what to know about this new FDA-approved method for Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition characterized by memory loss, trouble concentrating, and shifts in personality and behavior. Early and accurate diagnosis is considered key to managing the disease and improving the quality of life for patients and caregivers.
What were Mayo Clinic’s findings Alzheimer’s blood tests?
“Our study found that blood testing affirmed the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease with 95% sensitivity and 82% specificity,” said Dr. Gregg Day, a Mayo Clinic neurologist, dementia specialist and clinical researcher and one of the study’s authors.
Sensitivity refers to a test’s ability to recognize patients with the disease, while specificity is “the extent to which a diagnostic test is specific for a particular condition,” he said.
What kinds of patients was the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s study performed on?
About 500 patients receiving treatment for a range of memory issues at Mayo’s Memory Disorder Clinic in Jacksonville participated in the study. They ranged in age from 32 to 89 years old and their diagnoses included early- and late-onset cognitive impairment, typical and atypical Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia and vascular cognitive impairment, according to Mayo.
How is the Alzheimer’s diagnosis from blood work different from other methods?
Until now, diagnosing Alzheimer’s has largely depended on positron emission tomography (PET) scans or spinal taps — both effective but with significant drawbacks. PET scans can cost thousands of dollars and aren’t always covered by insurance, while spinal taps, which involve inserting a needle into the lower spine, are considered invasive and uncomfortable.
In contrast, this new blood test is non-invasive, significantly more affordable, and can be ordered by any licensed health care provider regardless of location — a potential breakthrough for expanding access to diagnostic care.
“Tests like this are crucial for improving diagnoses broadly in clinical settings,” Mayo Clinic officials said in a statement.
How is the Alzheimer’s diagnosis from blood work different?
Until now, diagnosing Alzheimer’s has largely depended on positron emission tomography (PET) scans or spinal taps — both effective but with significant drawbacks. PET scans can cost thousands of dollars and aren’t always covered by insurance, while spinal taps, which involve inserting a needle into the lower spine, are considered invasive and uncomfortable.
In contrast, this new blood test is non-invasive, significantly more affordable, and can be ordered by any licensed health care provider regardless of location — a potential breakthrough for expanding access to diagnostic care.
“Tests like this are crucial for improving diagnoses broadly in clinical settings,” Mayo Clinic officials said in a statement.
FDA approves new blood test for Alzheimer’s as disease rates and projections rise
The test received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval earlier this year, amid growing national concern over Alzheimer’s rates. Currently, about 10% of Americans over 65 have the disease — a figure projected to double by 2050.
FDA Commissioner and physician Dr. Martin Makary underscored the urgency: “Knowing that 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double, I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients.”
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Can Alzheimer’s be diagnosed through blood testing? Mayo Clinic says it can. Here’s how
Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea and Beth Reese Cravey, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
