In Israel, a new blood test for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease has been introduced and added to the diagnostic criteria of the International Alzheimer’s Association. This test is being performed in some hospitals in Israel, along with the spinal fluid test that has already been incorporated into the diagnostic process.
Alzheimer’s disease affects around 120,000 people in Israel, with symptoms including memory loss, cognitive decline, hypervigilance, hallucinations and insomnia. Currently, diagnosis is based on symptoms alone and some hospitals have started incorporating tests for disease proteins in spinal fluid into the diagnostic process.
In the USA, a new blood test has been approved for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease based on specific protein levels in the blood. This test is now being performed in some hospitals in Israel as well. The international guidelines for diagnosis through blood testing have been added to the criteria for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease, marking a significant step towards improving treatment options for patients.
Professionals in the field believe that early diagnosis through accurate blood tests could revolutionize the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. With the ability to detect the disease years before symptoms appear, individuals may have an opportunity to receive early treatment or make lifestyle changes that could help slow down its progression. The shift towards more accurate diagnosis based on biomarkers is seen as a major advancement in Alzheimer’s research and opens up new avenues for developing effective treatments and interventions.
