Early Detection

Recent research has revolutionized the early detection of Alzheimer's disease, focusing on non-invasive and highly accurate diagnostic methods. Blood-based biomarkers like p-tau217 and MTBR-tau243 now offer over 90% accuracy in identifying Alzheimer's, making them strong alternatives to spinal taps and costly brain imaging.

Sensory testing is also gaining attention—researchers have developed an at-home smell test that can detect early cognitive decline years before symptoms appear. Additionally, studies using near-infrared spectroscopy have revealed that brain oxygenation changes may serve as early neurovascular markers of the disease.

The AI Revolution in Diagnosis

Artificial intelligence is being used to analyze cognitive assessments and brain scans to predict Alzheimer's progression with improved sensitivity, marking a new era of accessible and early diagnostics. These technological advances are transforming how we approach Alzheimer's detection, moving us toward more patient-friendly methods that can identify the disease in its earliest stages.

References

  1. Alzheimer's Association. (2024). Alzheimer's disease blood tests could improve diagnosis in primary care. Retrieved from https://aaic.alz.org/releases-2024/blood-tests-alzheimers-biomarkers.asp
  2. Medical News Today. (2025, March 20). New blood test may help diagnose, show how far Alzheimer's progressed. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/new-blood-test-may-help-diagnose-show-how-far-alzheimers-progressed
  3. New York Post. (2025, March 25). At-home smell test could detect Alzheimer's disease years before symptoms start. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2025/03/25/health/new-smell-test-could-detect-alzheimers-before-symptoms-start/
  4. Medscape. (2025). Neurovascular clues offer new path to early Alzheimer's. Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/neurovascular-clues-offer-new-path-early-alzheimers-2025a10007gu
  5. AI Wire. (2024, August 14). Cambridge researchers develop new AI tool for early detection of Alzheimer's disease. Retrieved from https://www.aiwire.net/2024/08/14/cambridge-researchers-develop-new-ai-tool-for-early-detection-of-alzheimers-disease/