Nearly one million people in Spain alone currently suffer from dementia, and this number is expected to only increase in the coming decades. In this context, the development of technologies for early diagnosissince early diagnosis of the disease allows it to be addressed when the treatment possibilities are better.
This circumstance has greatly promoted, among other areas, the biomarker research of this pathology: specific biological indicators that can be measured, for example, through blood tests. In this direction, a human clinical trial presented at the 17th Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trials Congress (held in Madrid) recently showed good results for two Alzheimer’s detection methods based on these biomarkers in the blood.
Two new blood tests
As explained in a statement the pharmaceutical company Roche, which is the developer of these tools, one of the tests tested in that study is the so-called Elecsys amyloid plasma panelWhich measures blood levels of phosphorylated Tau protein (pTau) 181 and apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4). The second is called Test Elecsys pTau 217, and measures the level of pTau 217.
The first is a minimally invasive system It requires only a small amount of blood. The two values it measures are closely associated with the pathology of Alzheimer’s: it has been observed that pTau 181 is found at increased levels in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid since the first signs of cognitive deterioration in patients and the ApoE4 gene is one of the main factors of genetic risk, which are also associated with some side effects of some treatments.
The test was successful on a cohort of 492 patients from the United States and Europe rule out Alzheimer’s with a true negative rate (negative predictive value or NPV) of 96.2%.
Closer to a blood test for Alzheimer’s
For its part, the second test is based on the observation that pTau 217 levels out They are usually increased in the blood of patients in the early stages of cognitive decline.
This system delivers positive and negative results with a high degree of certainty and an inconclusive range of 12% requiring further testing to diagnose the disease.
Until now, most systems biomarkers to detect Alzheimer’s require invasive procedures, such as removal of cerebrospinal fluid. For some time, several studies have been reporting on the potential of certain biomarkers present in the blood, which would make the implementation of these systems much more feasible for patients in the early stages or even for asymptomatic patients.
Therefore, this test represents a further step forward bringing these technologies closer to clinical practicesince these are tests on human beings which guarantee a good degree of precision and effectiveness. In this way it is possible that we will soon significantly improve the early diagnosis of the disease and the effectiveness of treatments.
References
Roché (2024). Roche presents new data at CTAD, demonstrating its growing momentum in Alzheimer’s disease diagnostics. Consulted online at on November 4, 2024.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dementia Research Expert
Time.news Editor (T.): Welcome, Dr. Ruiz, and thank you for joining us today. It’s a pleasure to have you here to shed light on the exciting advancements in Alzheimer’s detection technologies.
Dr. Ruiz (R.): Thank you for having me! It’s a crucial topic, especially given the rising number of dementia cases in Spain and around the world.
T.: Absolutely! Nearly one million people in Spain are currently affected by dementia, and it’s projected to rise. Can you explain why early diagnosis is so critical for Alzheimer’s patients?
R.: Early diagnosis is vital because it allows for intervention before significant cognitive decline occurs. When diagnosed early, treatment options are more effective, and patients can better manage their symptoms. Early detection also gives families time to prepare and make informed decisions regarding care.
T.: That’s a great point. The article mentions a recent clinical trial at the 17th Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trials Congress in Madrid that showed promising results for two new blood tests. What can you tell us about these tests?
R.: The two tests developed by Roche focus on specific biomarkers found in the blood—specifically, phosphorylated Tau proteins. The first, the Elecsys amyloid plasma panel, measures pTau 181 and apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4), while the second test, Elecsys pTau 217, measures pTau 217 levels. Both biomarkers are closely tied to Alzheimer’s pathology.
T.: So, how effective are these tests in diagnosing Alzheimer’s?
R.: In the clinical trial involving 492 patients from the U.S. and Europe, the first test demonstrated a remarkable true negative rate of 96.2%. This means it was highly effective in ruling out Alzheimer’s when the disease was not present, providing confidence in its diagnostic capabilities.
T.: That’s impressive! You mentioned that the first test is minimally invasive. How does this compare to traditional methods of testing?
R.: Traditional methods often require invasive procedures, like lumbar punctures to extract cerebrospinal fluid, which can be uncomfortable and daunting for patients. These new blood tests require only a small blood sample, making them much more accessible and feasible for early detection—especially for individuals who may not yet show symptoms.
T.: It sounds like these tests could significantly change the landscape for dementia diagnostics. Are there any limitations to be aware of?
R.: Yes, while the tests provide high accuracy, the second test does present an inconclusive range of about 12%, necessitating further testing. This highlights the need for a comprehensive approach combining these blood tests with other diagnostic methods to ensure accuracy.
T.: How do you think these advancements will impact the future of Alzheimer’s care?
R.: If these tests continue to be validated, they could revolutionize the way we approach Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment. Early detection would facilitate timely interventions, potentially improving quality of life and outcomes for many patients.
T.: It sounds like we are moving toward a more proactive approach in tackling Alzheimer’s disease. What else can we expect in the near future in terms of research and development?
R.: There’s ongoing research exploring additional biomarkers and improving existing diagnostic tools. The goal is to create a comprehensive, reliable toolkit for healthcare providers that allows them to conduct early screenings on a larger scale, integrating technology, genetics, and patient history.
T.: Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for your valuable insights into this critical issue. It’s clear that advancements in technology hold promise for earlier and more accurate diagnoses of Alzheimer’s, potentially transforming care for millions.
R.: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic. It’s essential that we continue raising awareness and supporting research efforts to tackle Alzheimer’s head-on.
T.: We appreciate your time today! Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Alzheimer’s research.
