Alzheimer's Blood Tests Could Help High-Risk Group Get Diagnosed Earlier
Summary
New research shows that two blood tests used to detect signs of Alzheimer's disease can accurately identify the condition in people with Down syndrome. These tests could make it easier to diagnose Alzheimer's earlier in this high-risk group, replacing more invasive methods like brain scans or spinal taps.Key Facts
- People with Down syndrome have a very high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, with over 90% affected in their lifetime.
- The study tested two blood tests, Lumipulse G p-tau217/β-Amyloid 1-42 and PrecivityAD2, which detect biological markers linked to Alzheimer's.
- These blood tests found signs of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes with similar accuracy as in the general population.
- The research included 39 people with Down syndrome who had both blood tests and brain scans (PET scans).
- Blood tests could be a simpler and more accessible way to screen for Alzheimer's than current methods like PET scans or lumbar punctures.
- Diagnosing Alzheimer’s in people with Down syndrome is challenging because symptoms may look different and overlap with lifelong intellectual disabilities.
- Early signs of Alzheimer’s in this group often include changes in behavior or planning skills rather than memory loss.
- Researchers developed initial cutoff points in test results to help distinguish who has Alzheimer’s brain changes among people with Down syndrome.
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