Alzheimer's Screening and Early Detection: Blood Tests, Biomarkers, and Diagnostic Options
Why Early Screening Matters
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that occurs when nerve cells in the brain die. Catching it early changes the trajectory of care. Early diagnosis allows families to make plans, grants access to treatments that can slow disease progression and opens doors to clinical trials that are shaping tomorrow's therapies.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Detecting it early can make a significant difference. Early diagnosis allows individuals and families to plan for the future, access treatments that may help slow disease progression, and participate in clinical trials that may shape the future of Alzheimer's care.
Alzheimer's screening and diagnostic testing can help identify biological changes associated with the disease before symptoms become severe. Early detection may provide more opportunities for treatment, support services, and informed healthcare decisions.
What Is Alzheimer's Screening?
Alzheimer’s screening involves a combination of tools and tests that help identify signs of cognitive decline and determine whether Alzheimer’s or another condition may be the cause. At Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, we offer a full portfolio of industry-leading diagnostics to assess the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, whether your patient has a family history or not.
Alzheimer's screening involves a combination of tools and tests that help identify signs of cognitive decline and determine whether Alzheimer's disease or another condition may be the cause. Screening is often one part of a comprehensive evaluation that may include:
- Cognitive assessments: Memory, thinking, and problem-solving tests that may be performed during a routine healthcare visit.
- Blood tests: Advanced biomarker tests that can identify Alzheimer 's-related changes in the brain.
- Brain imaging: Scans that may help rule out other causes of cognitive symptoms or support diagnosis.
- Genetic testing: Specialized testing that may help assess inherited risk factors in certain individuals.
It is important to note that screening tests alone do not diagnose Alzheimer's disease. Healthcare providers consider screening results alongside medical history, symptoms, physical examination findings, cognitive assessments, and, when appropriate, imaging studies.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
Talk with your healthcare provider if you or a loved one experiences:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Problems finding words during conversations
- Confusion about time or place
- Difficulty following plans or solving problems
- Changes in judgment or decision-making
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Changes in mood, behavior, or personality
These symptoms do not always indicate Alzheimer's disease, but a healthcare professional should evaluate them.
Advanced Testing Options Available Through Our Laboratory
Our laboratory offers a comprehensive menu of routine labs, blood-based biomarkers, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and genetic tests that may help evaluate Alzheimer's disease and other causes of cognitive decline.
Routine Labs: Blood tests (e.g., vitamin B12, thyroid function) and urinalysis are used to rule out other treatable causes of memory loss or dementia
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis: A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may be performed to check for Alzheimer's biomarkers
Blood-Based Biomarker Testing
Blood-based biomarker testing is becoming an increasingly important tool for Alzheimer's screening and early detection. These tests are less invasive than spinal fluid testing and may help identify Alzheimer 's-related changes in the brain.
pTau-217/Beta Amyloid 42 Ratio
A groundbreaking blood test that accurately identifies Alzheimer's disease pathology, comparable to PET imaging and CSF testing.
Phosphorylated Tau 217 (pTau-217), Plasma
Detects amyloid-related brain changes and may help support clinical evaluation and monitoring of patients receiving anti-amyloid therapies.
Beta Amyloid 42/40 Ratio, Plasma
Measures proteins associated with amyloid plaque formation and may indicate Alzheimer 's-related pathology.
Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP)
A marker of brain inflammation that may provide additional insight when evaluated alongside other Alzheimer's biomarkers.
Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL), Plasma
Reflects the degree of neurodegeneration and may help assess neurological disease activity.
Phosphorylated Tau 181 (pTau-181), Plasma
It may help distinguish Alzheimer's disease from other forms of dementia and cognitive impairment.
ATN Profile
A comprehensive blood-based panel that evaluates Amyloid, Tau, and Neurodegeneration markers to provide a broader picture of Alzheimer 's-related changes.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Biomarker Testing
For patients who require additional diagnostic information, CSF testing may provide a more detailed assessment of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers.
Alzheimer's Disease Evaluation Profile, CSF
Measures Beta-Amyloid (1-42), Total Tau, and Phospho-Tau (181P), key biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Beta Amyloid 42/40 Ratio, CSF
Provides information that may correlate with disease progression and findings seen on PET imaging studies.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing may be appropriate in certain situations, particularly for individuals with a strong family history of Alzheimer's disease or concerns about inherited risk.
APOE Alzheimer's Risk Test
Identifies the APOE-4 genetic variant, which is associated with an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Early-Onset Alzheimer's NGS Diagnostic Test
Uses next-generation sequencing to evaluate genes associated with inherited forms of early-onset Alzheimer's disease, including APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2.
For Researchers & Clinical Trial Sponsors: High-Sensitivity RUO Testing
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is proud to support the scientific community in accelerating the discovery of novel therapeutics and the validation of diagnostics.
Fully Automated Plasma p-Tau217 and A beta42 Ratio RUO Assays
Our high-throughput automated platform delivers Research Use Only (RUO) plasma ratio assays with mass-spectrometry-grade precision. By combining ultra-sensitive Lumi-Phos PRO chemiluminescent substrate with industry-standard ALZpath antibody technology, our facility provides ultra-high sensitivity at scale.
p-Tau217 (Tau Pathology): Detects early-stage tau phosphorylation with femtogram-level sensitivity (LoD = 52fg/ml)
A beta 42 (Amyloid Pathology): Accurately tracks circulating amyloid-beta peptide levels, which inversely correlate with overall brain amyloid burden.
p-Tau217 / A beta 42 plasma Ratio: high accuracy; the plasma ratio yields an area under the curve (AUC) of \(0.927\) to \(0.943\) for identifying amyloid PET. Research suggests the ratio can achieve a Positive Predictive Value (PPV) exceeding 90% and a Negative Predictive Value (NPV) exceeding 90%.
FDA Status: The Beckman Access p-Tau217/\(\beta \)-Amyloid 1-42 plasma ratio test was granted FDA Breakthrough Device Designation to expedite its development and review. The assay is primarily used as an investigational research tool for biomarker development and to aid in early-stage Alzheimer's research.
Who Should Consider Alzheimer's Screening?
You may benefit from discussing Alzheimer's screening or diagnostic testing with your healthcare provider if you:
- Are age 65 or older
- Have concerns about memory loss or cognitive changes
- Have a family history of Alzheimer's disease
- Have been referred for evaluation of dementia or cognitive decline
- Are interested in early intervention opportunities
- Wish to learn more about participation in Alzheimer's clinical research studies
Alzheimer's Testing and Diagnostic Support
Our laboratory supports physicians and healthcare providers with advanced testing options to help evaluate Alzheimer's disease and related cognitive disorders. Through innovative biomarker, CSF, and genetic testing, we help expand access to tools that support earlier detection and more informed clinical decision-making.
As research continues to advance, blood-based biomarker testing is transforming how healthcare providers evaluate memory loss, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alzheimer's Screening
Can a blood test detect Alzheimer's disease?
New blood-based biomarker tests can identify biological changes associated with Alzheimer's disease and may provide information similar to PET imaging or CSF testing. These tests can help healthcare providers determine whether additional evaluation is appropriate.
Does a positive Alzheimer's blood test mean I have Alzheimer's disease?
No. Blood tests are one component of a comprehensive evaluation. Healthcare providers also consider symptoms, medical history, cognitive testing, physical examination findings, and, when appropriate, imaging studies before making a diagnosis.
What is pTau-217?
Phosphorylated Tau 217 (pTau-217) is a biomarker associated with Alzheimer's disease. Elevated levels may indicate Alzheimer 's-related changes in the brain and can help support clinical decision-making.
What is the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia?
Dementia is a general term for symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and daily functioning. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.
Is Alzheimer's disease hereditary?
Most cases of Alzheimer's disease are not directly inherited. However, certain genetic factors, including the APOE-4 variant, may increase a person's risk. Genetic testing may be appropriate in select situations.
Who should get screened for Alzheimer's disease?
Individuals experiencing memory or thinking changes, those with a family history of Alzheimer's disease, adults age 65 and older, and people interested in early detection should discuss screening options with their healthcare provider.
Learn More About Alzheimer's Screening
If you have concerns about memory loss, cognitive changes, or a family history of Alzheimer's disease, talk with your healthcare provider about whether Alzheimer's screening or biomarker testing may be appropriate.
Early detection can help guide treatment decisions, support future planning, and connect individuals and families with valuable resources and care options.
