The new blood tests assist in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, marking an important advancement in the medical field. In the past, the only way to confirm Alzheimer’s was through post-mortem autopsy, but now doctors can diagnose the disease using a combination of factors.
New Methods for Diagnosing Alzheimer’s
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s relies on reports from patients and their caregivers about memory changes and cognitive functions, cognitive tests, brain imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid tests. However, some of these methods can be costly or challenging. In this context, blood tests have recently emerged as a diagnostic tool.
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FDA-Approved Blood Tests
Currently, four blood tests have been approved for identifying early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. These tests help doctors identify the disease at earlier stages. Dr. Eric Reiman, director of research at the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix, considers this period an exciting time for the medical field and states that these tests can help advance patient care for Alzheimer’s towards personalization.
The first blood test for this disease, developed by Fujirebio, was approved in May 2025. This test determines the ratio of two key Alzheimer’s proteins that indicate the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain. The second test, developed by Roche and approved in October 2025, detects levels of a type of tau protein associated with amyloid plaque accumulation.
Newer Tests and Their Applications
Two new tests approved in August aim to make the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s easier and more accurate. The PrecivityAD2 test, developed by C2N, is specifically designed for the younger population aged 40 and above. This test can also aid in early detection.
Dr. Joel Brownstein, one of the founders of C2N, emphasizes that these tests can provide an opportunity for early diagnosis and better management of patients. The Elecsys ptau217 plasma test from Roche also helps identify a specific type of tau protein and can assist doctors in better diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease.
However, these tests are designed only for individuals showing cognitive symptoms and should not be used as screening tools for healthy individuals. Dr. Lorin Vanderslice, a neurology professor at the University of California, stresses that these tests should be used in an appropriate context alongside other assessments.
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