Blood-based tests show potential for early Alzheimer’s detection

More than 150 in vitro diagnostic tests are currently in development.

Blood-based tests are emerging as potential tools for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional methods like PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, said GlobalData.

The report revealed that the disease has reached over 55 million people globally, with numbers projected to triple by 2050.

Moreover, more than 150 in vitro diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s disease are in development, many of which aim to fill gaps in early detection.

“For Alzheimer’s disease, reliable and accessible testing could lead to earlier detection, giving patients more time to pursue interventions and lifestyle changes,” said Ashley Clarke, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData.

At least five devices in the pipeline are currently undergoing regulatory approval in the US and Europe. However, the development of these tests faces ethical and regulatory challenges.

These concerns include the potential for overdiagnosis, exposure to sensitive health data, and the implications for insurance premiums.

“Predictive testing also introduces ethical considerations around informed consent and potential psychological impacts for patients learning their risks in a disease still lacking a cure,” the report said.