In a significant development for Alzheimer’s disease care, Quest Diagnostics, a leading provider of diagnostic information services, has launched AD-Detect™, the first consumer-available, blood-based biomarker test for Alzheimer’s disease. This groundbreaking test analyses the levels of amyloid beta proteins in plasma, widely acknowledged as markers of Alzheimer’s disease.
Interpreting Amyloid Beta Protein Levels
AD-Detect™ operates by assessing the ratio of two specific peptides of amyloid beta, Aβ42 and Aβ40, present in plasma. These proteins are notorious for accumulating and forming plaques in the brain, an event intrinsically linked with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, their detection in the bloodstream could signal early risk indicators for the development of the disease.
This test mirrors the technology and proficiency found in Quest’s clinical AD-Detect Amyloid Beta 42/40 Ratio test, first released for physician use in early 2022. By making this test available on their consumer-initiated testing platform, questhealth.com, Quest Diagnostics empowers individuals to take an active role in monitoring their cognitive health, potentially bypassing the need for an initial doctor’s visit.
A More Accessible Approach to Cognitive Health Assessment
The consumer demand for accessible and convenient Alzheimer’s disease risk assessment has grown exponentially, particularly in light of the emergence of new Alzheimer’s disease therapies. AD-Detect™ caters to this demand by providing a manageable platform for consumers to evaluate their cognitive health. Recent research indicates a strong inclination among adult Americans for earlier dementia evaluation, including Alzheimer’s disease, and they believe that blood tests for early Alzheimer’s disease detection will become a staple in preventative care.
AD-Detect™ is ideal for those experiencing cognitive decline, or whose loved ones notice potential signs of mild cognitive impairment. It also caters to individuals with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, those over 65 years of age, or those with a history of brain trauma or head injury. AD-Detect™ provides invaluable insight into the potential risk of Alzheimer’s disease and aids individuals in initiating necessary discussions with their healthcare providers.
Transforming Alzheimer’s Detection Through Innovation
Traditionally, Alzheimer’s disease detection has relied on cognitive impairment symptom screening, followed by invasive and costly confirmatory tests like PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid tests. AD-Detect™ offers a novel approach to early detection, enabling individuals to identify risk factors before any symptoms manifest. Informed individuals can then implement necessary interventions, such as lifestyle changes and emerging Alzheimer’s disease therapies, that may stall or even alleviate Alzheimer’s progression.
Notably, AD-Detect™ can be purchased online via Quest’s platform, and test ordering and result delivery are supervised by licensed physicians. This setup provides a robust support system for consumers. With over 6 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and this figure expected to double by 2060, AD-Detect™, the first biomarker blood test for Alzheimer’s, represents a considerable stride forward in our battle against this devastating disease.
