Why in the News?

Researchers in Sweden have developed a new blood test, PrecivityAD2, which is about 90% accurate in identifying Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in people experiencing cognitive symptoms.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)?

• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia (loss of memory and cognitive abilities).
• It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment.
• Alzheimer’s disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.
• Brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important mental functions.
• Memory loss and confusion are the main symptoms.
• No cure exists, but medication and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms.

How PrecivityAD2 Test works?

• The test measures a combination of two ratios within a blood sample:

1. Plasma Phosphorylated-tau217 (p-tau217) to Not-Phosphorylated-tau21: The test measures the ratio of p-tau217 to non-phosphorylated tau21. Tau proteins are associated with the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, a hallmark of AD.
2. Amyloid-beta (AB42 and AB40): The test also measures the ratio of two types of amyloid-beta proteins, AB42 and AB40. Amyloid plaques are another key pathological feature of AD.

• Both tau and amyloid-beta proteins are considered pathological hallmarks of AD.

Benefits of PrecivityAD2

• Early Detection: PrecivityAD2 can diagnose AD at the early stage of mild cognitive impairment, enabling timely intervention and management.
• Accurate Identification: With an accuracy rate of around 90%, the test provides reliable results, reducing the chances of misdiagnosis.
• Non-Invasive: Unlike current diagnostic methods that involve complex PET scans or lumbar punctures, PrecivityAD2 requires only a simple blood draw.
• Cost-Effective: The test is expected to be more affordable compared to expensive PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, making AD diagnosis more accessible.
• Ease of Use: The blood test simplifies the diagnostic process, making it easier for primary care physicians to screen for AD.
• Wider Reach: By reducing the complexity and cost of diagnosis, more patients can be tested, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Significance of the Test

• Standard of Care: PrecivityAD2 has the potential to become the standard first-line test for AD diagnosis, replacing more invasive and costly methods.
• Support for Early Intervention: Early and accurate diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which is crucial for managing AD and improving patient outcomes.
• Reduction in Misdiagnosis: The test’s high accuracy rate can help reduce the rates of misdiagnosis, particularly in primary care settings.

Feasibility for India:

• In India, the current diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s disease primarily include MRI and regular PET scans.
• Advanced diagnostic tools like amyloid or Tau PET scans are not yet commercially available.
• The introduction of PrecivityAD2 in India will require approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) and other relevant regulatory bodies.

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