New Alzheimer’s Blood Test
Aug. 13, 2020
Researchers at Banner Health in Phoenix have developed a new blood test that is able to detect Alzheimer’s in patients up to 20 years before symptoms develop. We learned more from the executive director of Banner’s Alzheimer’s Institute, Dr. Eric Reiman.
In a study done by Banner Health which included 81 people who donated their brain upon death, researchers were able to show that blood testing while they were alive closely matched evidence of disease later.
The new test which is still under development at the clinical level looks to provide patients a much earlier Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Doctors are saying that the test could potentially help treat those that develop early symptoms.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. The new test could help produce new drugs that could stop the disease in its tracks. All of which could help many people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Furthermore, Reiman believes that the blood test could be available to all within the next two years.
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