Blood tests for Alzheimer's may be coming to your doctor's office. Here's what to know
Scoop USA Newspaper|August 02, 2024
New blood tests could help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's disease faster and more accurately, researchers reported Sunday but some appear to work far better than others.
Blood tests for Alzheimer's may be coming to your doctor's office. Here's what to know

It's tricky to tell if memory problems are caused by Alzheimer's. That requires confirming one of the disease's hallmark signs a buildup of a sticky protein called beta-amyloid hard-to-get brain scan or uncomfortable spinal tap. Many patients instead are diagnosed based symptoms and cognitive exams.

Labs have begun offering a variety of tests that can detect certain signs of Alzheimer's in blood. Scientists are excited by their potential, but the tests aren't widely used yet because there's little data to guide doctors about which kind to order and when.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn't formally approved any of them, and there's little insurance coverage.

"What tests can we trust?" asked Dr. Suzanne Schindler, a neurologist at Washington University in St. Louis who's part of a research project examining that. While some are very accurate, "other tests are not much better than a flip of a coin." Demand for earlier Alzheimer's diagnosis is increasing More than 6 million people in the United States and millions more around the world have Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. Its telltale "biomarkers" are brain-clogging amyloid plaques and abnormal tau protein that leads to neuron-killing tangles.

New drugs, Leqembi and Kisunla, can modestly slow worsening symptoms by removing gunky amyloid from the brain. But they only work in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's, and proving patients qualify in time can be difficult. Measuring amyloid in spinal fluid is invasive. A special PET scan to spot plaques is costly, and getting an appointment can take months.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 02, 2024 من Scoop USA Newspaper.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 02, 2024 من Scoop USA Newspaper.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من SCOOP USA NEWSPAPER مشاهدة الكل
Make room for Jesus this Christmas
Scoop USA Newspaper

Make room for Jesus this Christmas

Thanksgiving is over, and most of us are preparing for Christmas, but in the wrong way because we have the wrong conception of what Christmas is all about.

time-read
3 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 43
Musk's dangerous bullying
Scoop USA Newspaper

Musk's dangerous bullying

No one better illustrates the sinister consequences of great wealth turned into unaccountable power than Elon Musk.

time-read
4 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 43
Philadelphia ready to go the distance with RockyFest week dedicated to 'Rocky' movies
Scoop USA Newspaper

Philadelphia ready to go the distance with RockyFest week dedicated to 'Rocky' movies

Rocky Balboa fans are ready to go the distance - by bus, by ice skates, by 72 steps to honor Philly's favorite fictional fighter almost 50 years after the first movie launched the enduring series of an underdog boxer persevering despite the odds.

time-read
3 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 43
From Bach to Beyonce, why a church orchestra aims to lift up young musicians of color
Scoop USA Newspaper

From Bach to Beyonce, why a church orchestra aims to lift up young musicians of color

For over two years, Ebonie Vazquez searched to find a mentor of color for her son, Giovanni, now 11 and passionate about playing the violin. She has now found that space at a local church.

time-read
5 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 43
The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation announces Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Powered by PECO
Scoop USA Newspaper

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation announces Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Powered by PECO

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is thrilled to announce its annual Holiday Tree Lighting event, powered by PECO, taking place on December 6, 2024, from 6 pm to 9 pm at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Join us for an enchanting evening filled with lively performances from local talent, which serves as the kickoff to the holiday season and the official countdown to New Year's Eve on the Delaware River Waterfront.

time-read
3 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 43
We're making it easier to do business with us online
Scoop USA Newspaper

We're making it easier to do business with us online

We've listened to your feedback concerning your preference to do business with us online. You want the option to submit forms, evidence, and other information electronically. You also want to sign documents electronically before submitting them.

time-read
2 mins  |
ScoopUSA Media, Volume 64 - Number 51
By our own strength and culture
Scoop USA Newspaper

By our own strength and culture

In dedication to Amilcar Cabral, who taught us the challenge and protracted nature of the struggle, saying, \"Mask no difficulties, tell no lies, and claim no easy victories.\"

time-read
3 mins  |
ScoopUSA Media, Volume 64 - Number 51
Explore Holiday Magic with Brother Marcus: A Guide to Seasonal Inspiration in Philadelphia
Scoop USA Newspaper

Explore Holiday Magic with Brother Marcus: A Guide to Seasonal Inspiration in Philadelphia

The holiday season is here, and with it comes an array of festive activities to enjoy in and around our beautiful city. Philadelphia is brimming with spectacular events that bring communities together and fill hearts with joy. Whether you're looking for dazzling lights, family-friendly outings, or moments of inspiration, here are some must-visit events to include in your holiday plans.

time-read
2 mins  |
ScoopUSA Media, Volume 64 - Number 51
Anthony Faulkner Brings Joy to the Season with "Silent Night"
Scoop USA Newspaper

Anthony Faulkner Brings Joy to the Season with "Silent Night"

The Christmas season is a time for reflection, rejoicing, and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

time-read
1 min  |
ScoopUSA Media, Volume 64 - Number 51
Why did Joe Biden not keep his promise? His son still deserves justice
Scoop USA Newspaper

Why did Joe Biden not keep his promise? His son still deserves justice

Just once. Just once, amid all the times that reporters asked President Joe Biden whether he would give a pardon to his son Hunter, who was facing a possible federal prison sentence, I wish I could have heard Jolly Joe give the sort of response that the late Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley offered to such unwelcome questions.

time-read
3 mins  |
ScoopUSA Media, Volume 64 - Number 51