If you’re worried you or a loved one might have Alzheimer’s disease, you need information, support and answers to help guide you on your journey. Recently, new research on Alzheimer’s disease provides doctors with more resources than ever before to test for and treat it with new hope for the future.
A New Blood Test for Alzheimer’s
One major piece of news is new blood tests, which allow doctors to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease more accurately than before. New medications are also becoming available to slow the progress of the disease when it is caught early. These two developments are a huge step forward in Alzheimer’s treatment.
Blood tests to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease have been available for some time, but the new tests work differently. They can catch the same biomarkers, or specific signs of the disease, in a person’s brain that, in the past, doctors could only find using costly scans or invasive testing.
New Research Findings
Research shows that the blood test focusing on a form of a protein called ptau-217 correctly identified whether a person with memory problems had Alzheimer’s disease 90% of the time. This is much more accurate than traditional testing methods outside of specialized tests.
Scientists hope the new blood tests will make it easier for more people to learn when they have Alzheimer’s so they can start treatment sooner. In the future, they hope screening will be as simple as doing a cholesterol test during a routine yearly checkup.
These new blood tests are only appropriate for people who already show memory loss when other causes have been ruled out. They are not for people who have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease who do not show symptoms.
Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s treatments work best when people start them early. That’s why understanding the signs of Alzheimer’s and perfecting screening methods is important. While there are various signs, the symptom people most often connect with Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss.
Many families worry when a loved one starts to show memory issues, but some loss is normal as people get older. It might look like forgetting a date or misplacing car keys. When memory loss interferes with a person's ability to get through the day, however—like getting lost in their own neighborhood or asking the same question many times in a row—they could be experiencing early signs of Alzheimer’s.
People may experience changes in their mood or personality or act or make decisions differently. If you’re concerned about these or other changes, consider talking to a health care professional. They can help you find the best path forward.
How AdventHealth Can Help
Research is rapidly progressing in the field of Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and many scientists are more encouraged than ever about the potential for the future. At AdventHealth, we know that what matters most is finding the right support—right now—with the best possible care for the many ways that Alzheimer’s disease can impact your life.
We’re always here for you with the latest screening and treatment options. Our teams of compassionate professionals include disease specialists, counselors, therapists, home-care helpers and more. They’re standing by to give your family support, clarity and comfort during your journey.
If you have questions or want more information, you can learn more about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease on our website or schedule an appointment with one of our providers.
