In recent years, the incidence of Alzheimers disease (AD) has been increasing year by year, bringing a heavy burden to patients families and society. For those with a family history of AD or carrying related risk genes, how to reduce the risk of getting the disease has become a particularly concerning issue for them.
Dr. Dai Wenxin, a specialist at the Memory Clinic of Hainan Chengmei Hospital, says that the prevention and treatment of Alzheimers disease is like a race against time, and early detection and intervention are crucial to turning the tide. Especially for high-risk groups with a family history of the disease or carrying risk genes, regular professional screening and diagnosis are more urgent than ever. Among the many cutting-edge detection methods, the ptau217 test, with its high sensitivity and specificity, is gradually becoming an important tool for early warning of Alzheimers disease.
Family history and risk genes: High-risk factors for AD
Alzheimers disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Patients will gradually experience memory impairment, cognitive decline, personality changes and other symptoms, and eventually lose the ability to take care of themselves.
Studies show that family history is one of the significant risk factors for Alzheimers disease. Specifically, if one has a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with Alzheimers, their risk of developing the disease is two to three times higher than that of the general population. If two or more first-degree relatives have the disease, the risk increases even further.
In addition, carrying certain specific risk genes can also significantly increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Among them, the APOE ε4 gene is considered one of the most significant risk genes. Data shows that approximately 15% to 25% of people carrying this gene may develop Alzheimers disease.
Professor Dai Wenxin introduced that for high-risk groups with a family history of genetic inheritance or carrying risk genes, the pathological changes in their brains often occur earlier than those of ordinary people. However, due to the lack of typical clinical symptoms in the preclinical stage, it is very easy to be ignored. Therefore, conducting early screening has become a key link in the prevention and control of AD.
p-tau217: A Powerful Diagnostic Tool for Alzheimers Disease
ptau217 testing is currently a highly regarded clinical diagnostic method for the early detection of Alzheimers disease. Research has found that the levels of PTAU217 in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimers patients increase significantly, and this increase can be detected in the early stages of the disease.
Compared with traditional screening methods, the ptau217 test can be done through a blood test, which is easy to operate, minimally invasive, cost-effective, and more acceptable. At the same time, ptau217 has high specificity and sensitivity, and can accurately identify the early pathological changes of Alzheimers disease.
Professor Dai Wenxin said, "The emergence of ptau217 has made the early detection of Alzheimers disease more convenient and accurate, providing a powerful tool for the health monitoring of high-risk groups."
Early screening and intervention for high-risk groups to seize the golden period.
For people in families with Alzheimers disease patients or those carrying risk genes, it is recommended to undergo ptau217 testing as early as possible. Generally speaking, high-risk individuals over 45 years old can consider starting screening. Through regular screening, changes in the body can be dynamically monitored, and once abnormalities are detected, timely intervention measures can be taken.
Right now, theres no cure for Alzheimers disease, but early intervention can slow down the progression and improve the quality of life for patients. For instance, making lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep, doing cognitive training, and managing underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can all play a positive role in reducing the risk of getting the disease or slowing down its development.
Professor Dai Wenxin reminds us that early intervention is far more effective than late treatment. For high-risk groups, it is recommended to cooperate with doctors for intervention treatment in a timely manner after problems are detected through ptau217 testing.
Article | Huang Fei