Quest Diagnostics Inc. has introduced the first blood-based biomarker test designed to evaluate the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This groundbreaking test, called AD-Detect, is now available for consumer purchase. By examining the brain protein beta amyloid, which is closely linked to the disease, the test can provide valuable insights into an individual’s susceptibility to Alzheimer’s.
The accumulation of amyloid beta proteins in the brain is known to contribute to the formation of plaques, a primary marker of Alzheimer’s disease progression. AD-Detect assesses the ratio of two peptides, A42 and A40, in plasma to determine the risk level.
The release of this test comes at a time when advancements in Alzheimer’s treatments are being made. Moreover, there is a growing recognition that non-pharmacological interventions can effectively reduce disease risk. Additionally, medical professionals are increasingly accepting the use of blood tests as a valuable tool for early Alzheimer’s disease detection.
According to statistics, over six million Americans have already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, making it the most common form of dementia. By 2060, it is projected that this number will surge to 14 million.
Although Quest Diagnostics’ stock has fallen by 14% this year, it experienced a 0.5% increase before market opening. In comparison, the S&P 500 index has enjoyed a 19% gain during the same period.
