C2N Diagnostics, based in St. Louis, has acquired exclusive global commercial rights to blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's, promising significant advancements in clinical diagnostics pending FDA approval. Despite the need for specialist expertise for accurate diagnosis, recent studies presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2024 in Philadelphia indicate that blood tests offer superior accuracy over current methods.

Study On Alzheimer's Blood Biomarkers

In a study involving over 1,200 patients with cognitive symptoms, researchers in Sweden focused on key blood proteins, such as phosphorylated tau217 (pTau217), known for forming tangles in the brain linked to cognitive decline. Elevated pTau levels typically coincide with abnormal amyloid levels, contributing to plaque formation that disrupts brain cell communication and function.

The study utilized the amyloid probability score 2 test (APS2), demonstrating approximately 90% accuracy in identifying Alzheimer’s disease among both memory clinic patients (698) and primary care patients (515). These findings were detailed in the JAMA medical journal.

Future Prospects For Alzheimer's Blood Testing

While awaiting FDA approval, Florida has mandated Medicaid and state insurance coverage for biomarker tests starting January 1, once approved. Biomarkers, detectable in blood or tissue, signify disease presence.

Early Alzheimer's detection is critical for initiating treatments like lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla), proven to slow cognitive decline. Early diagnosis is also pivotal for participation in clinical trials, as treatment efficacy diminishes with disease progression.

Essential Accuracy In Diagnosis

Current Alzheimer's diagnosis methods involve various tests and scans to rule out other conditions impacting memory. Despite offering a quicker and more cost-effective alternative, blood tests still require skilled interpretation to avoid misdiagnosis, cautioned Dr. Marc Agronin, chief medical officer at the Frank C. and Lynn Scaduto MIND Institute.