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Could a simple blood test detect Alzheimer’s disease years before symptoms appear? New research from Resonant, a Utah biotech company that develops diagnostic tests for neurodegenerative diseases, suggests it may be possible. Researchers said its new test achieved 100% accuracy in identifying patients with Alzheimer's disease and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who went on to develop Alzheimer's disease within five years.
The blood test works by detecting the presence of DNA released from the brain’s neurons, or nerve cells, when they die, according to lead researcher Chad Pollard, a doctorate student and research assistant at Brigham Young University.
"All cells, to some degree, release fragments of DNA called cell-free DNA (cfDNA) into their environment," Pollard, who is also a co-founder of Resonant, told Fox News Digital in an email.
"Under normal, healthy conditions, cfDNA from neurons is undetectable in blood circulation, but during neurodegeneration, the amount of cfDNA that is released from these cells significantly increases and can be detected in the blood."
originally posted by: ManSizedSquirrel
This is hopeful news though.
originally posted by: anned1
bull early detection will mean they can use the test to take away your rights. driving and gun ownership rights among others..
Cost is always an important factor in any medical decision. Unfortunately, this is a drawback of non-invasive Alzheimer’s blood tests. Currently, none of the tests available in the United States are approved by the FDA. This significantly impacts the cost to the consumer because private and government health insurance will not cover the cost of medications, tests, or medical devices that are not FDA-approved. Because of this, blood tests for Alzheimer’s become an out-of-pocket expense. To be clear, Medicare and the vast majority of private insurance plans will not cover the cost of these Alzheimer’s tests.
On the market, there are three blood tests for Alzheimer’s. Their costs vary depending on their maker. As of September 2023, they are:
– Preclivity AD Test from C2N Diagnostics costs $1,200.
– Quest AD- Detect from Quest Diagnostics costs $400.
– Simoa p-Tau181 Test by Quanterix costs $1250.
www.dementiacarecentral.com...#:~:text=Currently%20Available%20Alzheimer's%20Blood%20Tests,trying%20to%20seek%20FDA%20appr oval.