Blood tests change Alzheimer's diagnosis

Health

Rolling Out

Blood based biomarker tests that detect amyloid and tau have moved into clinical use, shortening and widening the diagnostic pathway for Alzheimer's disease. These tests support but do not replace clinical evaluation, which still requires cognitive testing, history, physical exam and exclusion of reversible causes such as thyroid problems, B12 deficiency, medication effects, depression and infection. Imaging (MRI, CT) continues to rule out structural causes and PET is reserved for specific cases. A 2026 real-world study found primary care doctors who saw blood results diagnosed nearly as accurately as memory specialists, and earlier diagnosis can open access to disease modifying drugs and enable planning.

Blood biomarker tests enable earlier, more accessible Alzheimer's diagnosis