Blood test for Alzheimer's disease is highly accurate, researchers say

Researchers say a new blood test for Alzheimer's disease has been shown to be highly accurate in detecting people with early symptoms.

Scientists looked for two proteins - amyloid beta 42/40 and p-tau217 - and found the test was 95% accurate in identifying patients with existing cognitive impairment linked to the condition.

The US study involved 509 patients in an outpatient memory clinic in Florida and was published in the medical journal Alzheimer's and Dementia.

The test, which has already been approved by the US regulator, was also 82% accurate for specificity, which means it could rule out people without dementia.

Dr Gregg Day, who led the study, said the test was as good as existing, but more invasive, tests.

He said the next step was to extend the test to a wider range of patients, including those with early Alzheimer's who do not have any cognitive symptoms.

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Source: Sky News, 7 June 2025