An Alzheimer’s Blood Test Might Predict Advanced Disease

With two new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease approved in recent years, there’s growing hope for people at risk of the memory-robbing condition. But tests to detect the condition still lag behind. Earlier diagnosis would mean that people could take advantage of the drugs sooner, when the medicines are most effective.

Detection is currently tricky. Brain scans like PET can pick up amyloid plaques, the clumps of protein that are the hallmark of the disease, but by the time these form, people’s brain function is already declining.