After several unexplained memory slips, there came a day when my wife, Geri, didn’t recognize her own face in the mirror. That’s when we knew it was time for her to get checked out. It was 2012, and Alzheimer’s was a feared diagnosis. At the time, billions of dollars of investments into research and development had failed to produce treatments that could prevent, slow or cure the disease. Getting a definitive diagnosis would be extremely difficult, but the alternative was living with years of uncertainty.
Today, the landscape for Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment has taken a great leap forward. It is increasingly possible to manage the disease and live a fulfilling life. We have reached a historic moment with the FDA’s approval of the first blood biomarker tests for Alzheimer’s. This long-awaited breakthrough means physicians can now detect early signs of Alzheimer’s — which accounts for 70% of all cases of dementia — using a simple blood test that can be done during a regular check-up with your doctor.
While PET scans remain important for confirming a diagnosis, they are only available at specialized centers, typically in urban medical centers, and they are expensive. Blood biomarker tests now offer an easy first step in the diagnostic journey. They provide fast answers for people experiencing memory problems and can even spot early signs of cognitive decline years before symptoms appear. Without these tests, most people have a long, challenging path to diagnosis.
My wife Geri’s path to diagnosis was anything but simple. In 2012, a neurologist confirmed she had mild cognitive impairment, a common precursor to Alzheimer’s. It was a life-altering event. Over the next few years, we knew we had to dig deeper into the cause of her condition, to uncover any potential medical options. Eventually we found a clinical trial for an experimental Alzheimer’s drug, and she received a PET scan to determine whether she qualified for the trial. Her brain scan detected amyloid plaque, the telltale sign of Alzheimer’s. The diagnosis was difficult to face, but it meant we didn’t have to struggle with uncertainty. We could act.
I understand the fear that surrounds an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, but catching it early helps. Changes in the brain begin years before memory problems become noticeable. The earlier the diagnosis, the more options people have. Research shows that anti-amyloid therapies are more effective when administered earlier: In one clinical trial, patients with early Alzheimer’s showed 35% slowing of cognitive decline, compared with those on the placebo. These treatments can help people maintain their independence longer and make the most of their lucid years.
Geri was fortunate to participate in a clinical trial that significantly slowed her disease progression. The seven-year trial period was a game-changer for us. The regular infusions were a source of hope as we saw her benefit from the medication. This precious time allowed Geri to develop coping strategies to manage her disease. Together, we traveled across the country giving talks about living with Alzheimer’s disease, and Geri needed very little assistance. We cherished this time together — years made possible because we sought answers early.
Following the FDA’s landmark approval of blood biomarker tests, the next step is making these tests widely available. Hospitals and health care systems across the country should ensure primary care physicians are aware of these tests and understand how to use them. Public education campaigns can raise awareness with people who have concerns about cognitive impairment and their families.
Early detection gives people meaningful choices, and most importantly it gives people time. Time to benefit from lifestyle changes, participate in groundbreaking clinical trials, and access treatments when they can make the greatest difference. Although facing a potential Alzheimer’s diagnosis is daunting, waiting only limits a person’s options. If you’re concerned that you or a loved one might have signs of cognitive impairment, please don’t stay in the dark. Blood biomarker tests offer real hope in a new era of Alzheimer’s care. The sooner we embrace these advances, the more precious time we can preserve.
Jim Taylor is president and CEO of Voices of Alzheimer’s, a patient advocacy organization.
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