New developments in Alzheimer’s disease research are eagerly awaited. Among such breakthroughs, blood tests are providing new possibilities. A company in St. Louis, called C2N Diagnostics, is leading this progress and working to create quicker and more precise ways of diagnostic Alzheimer’s and other dementia conditions.

The Importance of Quicker Diagnosis

The process of diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease has always been tough. Current techniques such as cognitive tests, PET scans and spinal fluid tests can be either based on individual interpretation, costly or intrusive. A straight-forward blood test could completely change the procedure to make it easier for everyone.

Phillip Verghese, the senior vice president of research and development at C2N Diagnostics, stressed the significance of their work. “We aim to provide a particular diagnosis test which simplifies everything like a blood test.”

Recent Developments

C2N Diagnostics was established by researchers from Washington University in 2007. The team has been increasing its number and making major leaps in Alzheimer’s studies since then. On Sunday they revealed a study performed on patients from Sweden in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) which demonstrates how accurate their blood tests are compared to traditional methods of diagnosis.

Blood Biomarkers Role

Rebecca Edelmayer, who is the senior director of scientific involvement for the Alzheimer’s Association noted big advances have recently taken place in blood biomarker studies. “The speed at which this field is growing is amazing. More contributors will result in better tests,” she stated.

Blood tests offered by C2N diagnostics mostly across US states provide an interesting alternative to old methods. Despite this, the tests are expensive ranging from $1,250 to the higher end at $1,450 and Medicare does not cover it.

Obstacles and Approach in Future

The potential of blood tests is unquestionably large but its usage routinely in patient’s care is not yet common. They are mostly used for research purpose only while other techniques of diagnosis still prevail. Doctor’s and scientists studying Alzheimer do not fully agree on these tests playing a part in normal care. Rebecca Edelmayer pointed out that to establish their accuracy, the tests needed a larger range population.

C2N Diagnostics along with other companies are working to develop this type of test. This has resulted in growth as more and better diagnostic tools have become available “Accuracy is of utmost importance because patients cannot afford to get a false positive or else negative,” Edelmayer stated. “The result must be correct.”

Proven Credibility

Research begun by Washington University in the 2000s led to the establishment of C2N Diagnostics as they were examining how changes occurred due to Alzheimer’s disease in brains. From there they managed to assess protein’s role associated with Alzheimer’s which opened new ways for both drug-based research and diagnostics. Since 2007, when it was established, C2N expanded its employee base from few individuals to over more than hundred, having taken part in over 150 clinical studies.

Application in Real World

JAMA published study examined how precise C2N’s blood tests were versus traditional techniques such as PET scans and spinal fluid test. The results demonstrated that blood Test where frequently showing higher levels of accuracy than doctor’s evaluation. Dr. John Hsiao, representing the National Institute on Aging, described the present state as “a wild west” due to the different types of tests measuring various biomarkers. As per Alzheimer’s Association they endorse using tests having an accuracy rate over 90%, for instance like ones taking into account biomarker p-tau217.

Prospects and Boundaries

Dr. Suzanne Schindler, a neurologist at Washington University, emphasized that patients with complaints of memory issues must use a validated blood test as it can guide primary care physicians to suggest if patient should go to specialist. However, for people who are not experiencing any sort of symptoms but fear Alzheimer’s because of their family history they are not yet recommended

Looking into the Future

Blood Tests for Alzheimer’s is supposed to become an important tool in diagnosing Alzheimer’s with more precision and on time. As research progress and guidelines get revised these tests will have immense impact on patient care.

In Conclusion

C2N Diagnostics is guiding way in developing blood test for Alzheimer’s which aims towards faster, easier and more accurate diagnosis methods. Their recent study in JAMA marks a significant step forward. Despite facing obstacles, the potential benefits using this kind of tests cannot be denied. With ongoing research and validation, taking blood tests will soon become a normal part in diagnosing Alzheimer, which provide help to millions suffering from Alzheimer’s and families trying to cope.

C2N Diagnostics is confirming that value provided by their tests helps patients, insurers, regulators, doctors. They continue publish data and seek federal clearance.