The development of blood tests capable of accurately detecting brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s Disease without the need for brain scans or spinal taps could revolutionize how doctors diagnose the disease. Amyloid beta proteins, which are known to accumulate and form plaques in the brain cause the progression of the disease. According to Dr. Suzanne Schindler, a Dementia Specialist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, detecting the presence of plaques and tangled fibers in the brain is tricky in a living patient, it wasn’t until recently that the only way to diagnose someone with Alzheimer’s Disease was by doing an autopsy. However, with the introduction of new blood tests, it is now possible to accurately detect the presence of amyloid beta proteins and tangled fibers without invasive procedures.
With the recent FDA approval of the Alzheimer’s drug “lecanemab” under the brand name “Leqembi” and another potential drug awaiting FDA approval this year, doctors can finally begin treating patients. These drugs work by reducing amyloid buildup in the brain, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease.
