Blood Test Can Determine Alzheimer's Disease

Misbar has discovered that C2N diagnostics has announced that its PrecivityAD, a non-invasive blood test that can correctly predict Alzheimer Disease, is ready to use according to NeurologyLive.com. Alzheimer’s Disease is associated with plaque deposits in the brain that prevent normal functioning. This new blood test identifies whether the plaque deposits are likely present in the brain. It can also determine if a gene is present that increases the risk of the disease. According to FierceBiotech.com, the new blood test cannot diagnose a case of Alzheimer’s on its own, but it can help a doctor predict what may be happening to a patient who is having trouble with memory issues. 

The test is currently available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and is only available through an order by a physician. It is not yet covered by private insurance payers, Medicare or Medicaid. Patients are responsible for paying out-of-pocket for the test. C2N CEO Joel Braunstein told MDLinx.com that the price of the test is $1,250, but patients who qualify for financial assistance will be charged between $25 and $400. Presently the only other available tests related to Alzheimer’s Disease involve either a spinal tap or a scan that requires injecting a radioactive tracer, both of which are very expensive and invasive procedures. 

According to C2N, Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive disorder that affects approximately 5.7 million people in the United States and 34 million people worldwide, with many millions more at risk. The patient population for Alzheimer’s Disease is expected to nearly triple by 2050. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and there are currently no treatments to prevent or delay disease progression.