Haifa, Israel – A breakthrough in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is now available in Israel with a simple blood test. This new test, called AD-Detect, detects amyloid beta in the blood, a protein known to damage nerve cell communication and cause brain tissue destruction. Developed and marketed by the American company Quest Diagnostics, the test is now offered in Israel through the Medical Link company.
The test, which costs NIS 3,450 for an amyloid test and NIS 5,850 for all three tests including tau-protein and APOE gene tests, is a non-invasive way to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Previously, Alzheimer’s disease was mainly diagnosed through medical history review and cognitive assessments, with more invasive or less accessible biomarker tests available at a higher cost to the healthcare system.
The new blood test has been proven to have an 89% accuracy rate in identifying the biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease. Along with the main test for amyloid beta, supplementary tests for p-tau 181 and the APOE gene can provide additional information about the disease’s presence. This advancement in early diagnosis could lead to earlier treatment and lifestyle changes for patients to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
According to estimates from the Alzheimer’s Association of Israel, around 150,000 people in Israel are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. However, this number is expected to triple by 2050, according to the Israeli Health Ministry’s forecast. The availability of early diagnostic tools like the AD-Detect test can help in managing the increasing burden of Alzheimer’s disease on the healthcare system.
In a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, scientists in China found that biological markers indicative of Alzheimer’s disease could be detected up to 18 years before clinical diagnosis. This research highlights the importance of early detection through biomarker testing and the potential for patients to adopt healthier lifestyles to delay the onset of symptoms. With advancements in drug treatments for Alzheimer’s disease also on the horizon, early diagnosis becomes crucial in improving patient outcomes.