2022 Brings the Latest in Testing and Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease
July 27, 2022
Alzheimer’s disease gradually destroys memory and other mental functions that cause confusion. Many of us have a friend, family member, or know of someone that has been diagnosed. The medical community continues to search for ways to relieve symptoms, test for early signs, and find a cure.
Studies
have shown that changes in learning and memory happen well before signs of Alzheimer’s are found in brain scans. Early detection could offer an opportunity for preventative treatment in the future.
Testing for Earlier Diagnosis
Recently, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the first in vitro diagnostic for early testing of Alzheimer’s disease. It is an alternative to (PET) scans that use radiation and cerebrospinal fluid taps that are costly and time-consuming.
In May 2022, Fujirebio Diagnostic developed a new testing application for patients 55 years and older who have shown cognitive impairment. The test was able to get through an expedited review process. It can be used to detect brain plaques and analyze spinal fluid and proteins that accumulate to form the amyloid-beta plaques tied to Alzheimer’s disease. The FDA suggests testing be combined with other clinical evaluations to confirm a diagnosis.
In May 2022, Fujirebio Diagnostic developed a new testing application for patients 55 years and older who have shown cognitive impairment. The test was able to get through an expedited review process. It can be used to detect brain plaques and analyze spinal fluid and proteins that accumulate to form the amyloid-beta plaques tied to Alzheimer’s disease. The FDA suggests testing be combined with other clinical evaluations to confirm a diagnosis.
Doctors and medical labs evaluate the future of alzheimer's
Most primary care doctors believe that one day, dementia will be managed as a chronic disease. But that means doctors and patients need to be made aware of new treatments and technologies, like the test developed by Fujirebio Diagnostic.
A survey by the Harris Poll for Quest Diagnostics suggests half of physicians don’t think Alzheimer’s will ever be cured, but about 75% thought new therapies might help manage the disease. Quest introduced a blood test in March for the early detection of Alzheimer’s. The company wants to see physicians and patients begin to prepare for the newer, more convenient diagnostics to become widespread tools in the health care industry. Diagnostic blood tests would be faster and more cost-effective for the healthcare system overall and lead to a more immediate referral to specialists. However, the majority of clinicians also feared the blood tests for Alzheimer’s would cause a surge in diagnoses and stress the health care system.
A survey by the Harris Poll for Quest Diagnostics suggests half of physicians don’t think Alzheimer’s will ever be cured, but about 75% thought new therapies might help manage the disease. Quest introduced a blood test in March for the early detection of Alzheimer’s. The company wants to see physicians and patients begin to prepare for the newer, more convenient diagnostics to become widespread tools in the health care industry. Diagnostic blood tests would be faster and more cost-effective for the healthcare system overall and lead to a more immediate referral to specialists. However, the majority of clinicians also feared the blood tests for Alzheimer’s would cause a surge in diagnoses and stress the health care system.
What next?
If you are concerned about Alzheimer's and dementia and wondering about your planning options, you can:
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- Visit our estate planning page to learn more about how proactively thinking through your estate plan can protect you and your family, minimize hassle, lower the chance of family discord, and minimize or eliminate taxes.
- Learn more by reading our blog or watching our videos .
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