Israel Now Offers Blood Test for Early Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
A simple blood test developed abroad for the early diagnosis of the most common type of dementia – Alzheimer’s disease (AD) – is now available in Israel.
Revolutionary Breakthrough in Alzheimer’s Detection
A biomarker-based diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease at an early stage is the beginning of a revolution in the field, according to neurology Professor David Tanne, the president of the Israel Neurological Association.
Recent scientific advancements have led to the development of a blood test called AD-Detect, which detects the presence of amyloid beta, a protein responsible for damaging the communication between nerve cells and causing brain tissue destruction. This liquid biopsy test is non-invasive and has been proven to be highly accurate.
Pioneering Test Opens New Treatment Opportunities
The availability of the blood test means that doctors will be able to provide early intervention to patients who test positive for AD, potentially slowing down the progression of the disease. Drug treatments as well as recommended lifestyle changes can now be initiated at an early stage.
Represented in Israel by the Medical Link company, the American company Quest Diagnostics developed and markets the blood test. Neurology Professor David Tanne also serves as a paid consultant to Medical Link.
Simple and Accessible Testing Process
The blood tests are available in Israel to individuals of any age who have a referral from their doctor. These tests are an essential part of the medical investigation of an individual’s cognitive status. The cost of the amyloid test is NIS 3,450, while the cost of the tau-protein test is NIS 4,850. Alternatively, the combined cost of all three tests is NIS 5,850. The results of the tests, performed by an accredited laboratory in California, are sent back to Israel for further evaluation.
Previously, the detection of Alzheimer’s disease relied heavily on medical history reviews and cognitive assessments. Invasive procedures and high costs were associated with existing biomarker tests, such as lumbar acupuncture or brain mapping for amyloid deposits.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association of Israel, approximately 150,000 individuals in the country are currently suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This number is predicted to triple by 2050, according to the Ministry of Health.
Scientific Insights and Potential for Early Intervention
Ongoing research in the field of Alzheimer’s disease continues to provide valuable insights. A study conducted in China has demonstrated that changes in biomarkers can be detected up to 18 years before a clinical diagnosis is made. The ability to perform early tests for biomarkers allows individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle and potentially slow down the development of the disease.
While medical advancements, such as the approval of drugs for AD treatment, are on the horizon, the availability of a simple blood test for early diagnosis in Israel is undoubtedly a significant step forward.
Sources indicate that the first drug, effective in the early stage of the disease, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in July. Researchers are expecting another drug to receive approval later this year. In the meantime, individual choices, such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, can have an impact on symptom onset.
Conclusion
With a revolutionary blood test now available in Israel, early detection of Alzheimer’s disease has become more accessible and straightforward. The early intervention made possible by this test paves the way for timely drug treatments and lifestyle changes, potentially slowing the progression of the disease. With the predicted increase in Alzheimer’s cases, early diagnosis and intervention are more critical than ever.
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