Diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s disease, the “golden grail” of the medical and research community for many years, is now on the market. It is a powerful weapon in the medical quiver that could revolutionize the diagnosis of degenerative brain disease and ultimately contribute to its treatment.
Tests detect very small amounts of beta-amyloid, a protein hallmark of the disease, in the blood, which also indicates its presence in the brain. Currently, of course, they are mainly used in the context of clinical research.
Doctors may prescribe them, but in many cases they consider it unnecessary, since the disease remains untreated for the time being. Many neurologists believe that this will change in the near future as access to the test expands and allows a clear diagnosis of a disease with extremely high diagnostic complexity. At the same time, the tests will allow experts to scientifically and objectively determine which patient should receive new treatments, when and if they are approved by regulatory authorities. There are three diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s on the market today, from C2N Diagnostics, Quest Diagnostics and Quanterix.
Tests detect very small amounts of beta-amyloid, a protein hallmark of the disease, in the blood, which also indicates its presence in the brain.
The appearance of the tests coincided with an assessment by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a promising drug produced by the American Biogen and the Japanese Eisai, which, according to published data, slows down the decline in mental abilities in patients. The results of the evaluation will be announced in early 2023.
New drugs
The relative effectiveness of Biogen and Eisai has revived hopes for the development of other drugs that can safely remove beta-amyloid plaques from patients’ brains.
Although there are many unanswered questions about Alzheimer’s disease, it is certain that the availability of reliable and especially early diagnosis and then effective treatment is a cause of hope for the millions of people and their families suffering from this disease.
Anna White is a journalist at 247 News Reel, where she writes on world news and current events. She is known for her insightful analysis and compelling storytelling. Anna’s articles have been widely read and shared, earning her a reputation as a talented and respected journalist. She delivers in-depth and accurate understanding of the world’s most pressing issues.