Blood Test Can Predict Alzheimer's Disease Progression Years Before Symptoms

Researchers at Mass General Brigham have discovered that a blood test measuring plasma phosphorylated tau 217 (pTau217) can predict Alzheimer's disease progression in cognitively healthy older adults years before symptoms or brain scan changes appear. This biomarker test may enable earlier disease detection and identify individuals at risk for cognitive decline, potentially allowing for earlier interventions. The findings, published in Nature Communications, represent a significant advance in Alzheimer's diagnosis by providing a simpler, non-invasive alternative to expensive brain imaging. This breakthrough could transform how physicians screen for and monitor Alzheimer's risk in at-risk populations.