As the aging population increases, China is entering a high-incidence period for Alzheimer’s disease, with an estimated 16.99 million cases of AD and other dementias.
AD is a degenerative central nervous system disorder, and once clinical symptoms appear, it is irreversible. Therefore, early intervention is crucial.
Currently, blood biomarkers like Aβ42, Aβ40, P-tau181, and P-tau217 have been incorporated into the latest domestic and international guidelines and consensus. Hainan Cancer Hospitals Medical Laboratory Department utilizes these biomarkers to conduct various blood tests, which not only enable early screening and diagnosis of AD and disease progression but also help detect AD changes before symptoms appear, allowing for early diagnosis, intervention, and treatment.
Professor Chen Xinping, Director of the Medical Laboratory Department at Hainan Cancer Hospital, explains that compared to traditional AD diagnostic methods such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis and neuroimaging, the combined blood biomarker testing offers significant advantages.
First, it improves the accuracy and sensitivity of diagnosis. Combined blood biomarker testing can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity, reduce clinical misdiagnosis, and detect potential patients for timely intervention.
Studies have shown that the combination of p-tau217/181 and Aβ42/40 can effectively help clinicians assess the risk of AD in normal populations.
Second, it allows for early screening and risk assessment of disease. Combined testing allows for the detection of potential AD changes before symptoms appear or in the early stages, enabling early screening of high-risk populations.
Research shows that plasma P-tau181 reaches abnormal levels 6.5 years before cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities are detected, making it a novel diagnostic and screening tool for the pre-dementia phase of AD. Plasma p-Tau 217 can accurately assess AD pathology, equivalent to cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, and track longitudinal changes in AD. In other Chinese cohort studies, Aβ proteins, P-tau proteins, and other non-specific neuroproteins can predict the occurrence of the disease at least 8 years before clinical diagnosis.
Third, it is more easily accepted by the general public. Compared to traditional cerebrospinal fluid tests or PET imaging, blood tests are non-invasive, cost-effective, and allow for repeated monitoring. Patients are more likely to accept these tests, and they are easier to track brain pathology changes over time. Combined biomarker testing provides more comprehensive diagnostic information and is suitable for large-scale screening and widespread clinical use.
Be alert if you experience the following symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease progresses through seven stages. In the clinical pre-phase and mild cognitive impairment stages, symptoms are not obvious and are easily confused with normal aging. To delay the onset of dementia, if any of the following symptoms occur, it is recommended to undergo blood biomarker testing:
A family history of Alzheimer’s disease
Frequent memory lapses and significant memory decline
Noticeable neural orientation issues, such as difficulty with language or spatial awareness
Individuals aged 60 or older
Those with other brain-related conditions such as depression, cerebrovascular diseases, or brain trauma
Hainan Cancer Hospitals Medical Laboratory Department is pioneering AD blood testing innovation in the province, actively promoting the "early detection - early intervention" model, providing a demonstration role in current clinical AD prevention and treatment, delaying disease progression, and reducing complications-related mortality. This approach aims to ensure that patients can enjoy a happy and healthy later life.
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Materials | Medical Laboratory Department
Editor | Huang Fei