If a simple blood test could reveal early signs of Alzheimer’s – years before symptoms appear- would you want to know?
It’s a serious question. In May 2025, for the first time, the FDA approved a simple diagnostic blood test for Alzheimer’s. And, based on the literature, doctors are very excited about it.
You should be, too.
Why Does Early Alzheimer’s Detection Matter?
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder. Dementia from Alzheimer’s disease often does not show until 20 or more years after the initial pathological changes to the brain.
More than 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s. By 2050, that number is expected to double.
Here is the science behind the test, which is available if you are at least 55 years old and have memory or thinking problems typically seen in Alzheimer’s patients.
The Science Behind Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is marked by two main changes in the brain: amyloid plaques outside brain cells and neurofibrillary tangles inside them. These are considered key signs of the disease.
Amyloid Plaques Outside the Brain Cells
The first change happens outside the brain cells. Amyloid plaques are clumps of protein that build up between neurons. Scientists think that these interfere with how brain cells communicate and may trigger inflammation in the surrounding tissue. According to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, “Beta-amyloid, in its toxic form, can start to accumulate in the brain up to 20 years before symptoms of Alzheimer’s appears.”
Neurofibrillary Tangles Inside the Brain Cells
The second change happens inside the brain cells. Neurofibrillary tangles form inside neurons when their internal support system — called microtubules — breaks down. Scientists think that this disrupts the cell’s structure and function, eventually contributing to cell death.
Tau is a protein associated with microtubules. Measure the tau and beta-amyloid, and you have a pretty decent indicator of Alzheimer’s.
How the Lumipulse Blood Test Works
The Lumipulse p-tau217 blood test allows doctors to analyze a component of your blood, plasma, to calculate the ratio of 2 proteins that have been shown to be an indicator for Alzheimer’s disease: beta-amyloid and tau.
A positive Lumipulse test result does not mean that you have Alzheimer’s disease; it is just an indicator that you may develop it down the road. The test is not perfect, but early results have shown that 92% of people who had a positive test reading had amyloid plaques that were confirmed by PET scans or spinal taps. Regarding negative readings, 97% of those with a negative test result had negative amyloid findings with the other tests. Less than 20 percent of the people tested in a study had indeterminate results.
Why Would Someone Want to Know They Might Have Alzheimer’s?
Why is it important to find out if you are predisposed to Alzheimer’s? There are two main reasons.
1. It May Help Explain Memory Loss
First, the test can help determine if your memory loss and other symptoms are a result of Alzheimer’s disease or a different disease. When you are going down the list of causes, ruling out Alzheimer’s is a big one.
2. It May Help Determine Treatment Options
The second reason is to find out if you are eligible for early Alzheimer’s treatment. By the time you have full dementia symptoms, it is too late to take advantage of the currently approved medications that can slow or stop dementia.
The science behind Alzheimer’s is not standing still, and perhaps someday there will be a total cure. Someday, but not yet.
So let’s go back to the original question. If you are 55 or older and experiencing memory or thinking problems typical of Alzheimer’s… do you really want to know?
My thanks to Dr. Kyle Gummelt, D.O., M.P.H., F.A.C.P., for alerting me about this important test.
Plan Ahead for the Unexpected With Hammerle Morris
A blood test for Alzheimer’s may raise difficult questions, but it can also create an opportunity to plan ahead. If you or a loved one is facing memory concerns, now is the time to review your estate plan, powers of attorney, medical directives, and long-term care planning options.
Contact our team for guidance on preparing for the legal and financial challenges that can come with aging, illness, and incapacity.
Virginia Hammerle is a licensed Texas attorney whose practice includes estate planning, probate, guardianship, and litigation.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
