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Current methods for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can be expensive and invasive, which is why experts are keen on the development of a blood test.

A study has shown the potential to revolutionize Alzheimer's disease diagnostics through blood tests, but there are still some questions about its accuracy.

The blood tests zero in on substances in the blood that signal the presence of sticky amyloid plaques in the brain -- an unmistakable sign of Alzheimer's. If widely adopted, these tests could replace current diagnostic methods, such as expensive PET scans and uncomfortable spinal taps.

Despite their transformative potential, the accuracy of these blood tests varies significantly. Washington University School of Medicine dementia specialist Dr. Suzanne Schindler emphasizes the diversity in test quality, ranging from highly effective to unreliable. This variability poses a challenge in establishing consistent and reliable diagnostic standards.

Evolution of detection and diagnosis

Blood tests mark the latest progression in detecting amyloid plaques and fibrous tangles in the brain, surpassing previous methods, including PET scans and spinal fluid tests. This opens up possibilities for quicker, less invasive and more widely accessible methods of diagnosis for Alzheimer's.

While the market for these blood tests is expanding rapidly, regulatory oversight remains limited. Currently categorized as laboratory-developed tests, these diagnostics lack FDA approval, potentially leading to varying levels of accuracy and reliability.

With the FDA approval of drugs like Leqembi, designed to slow Alzheimer's progression, interest in blood tests has surged. These drugs target amyloid removal from the brain, necessitating an efficient means of confirming amyloid plaque presence, making blood tests crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

As Alzheimer's treatment evolves and more drugs receive approval, the importance of accurate and accessible blood tests grows.