Revolutionising Alzheimer’s detection: The rise of blood biomarker testing

Alzheimer’s disease has long been one of the most challenging conditions to diagnose early. Traditional methods—such as invasive spinal taps and costly brain scans—are not only uncomfortable but also often inaccessible to many patients. However, a groundbreaking shift is underway: blood biomarker tests are emerging as a faster, less invasive, and more affordable way to detect Alzheimer’s risk and track disease progression.

The promise of blood biomarkers in Alzheimer's detection

Recent research presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting highlights the potential of blood tests in revolutionising Alzheimer’s detection. The study, part of the BioRAND (Biorepository Study for Neurodegenerative Diseases), followed 54 participants, tracking key biomarkers like amyloid, tau proteins, and neuroinflammation—hallmark signs of Alzheimer’s.

Unlike traditional diagnostics, which only confirm the presence of disease, these blood tests can monitor changes over time, offering insights into how lifestyle interventions may slow or even reverse cognitive decline.

Key biomarkers being measured:

• Amyloid plaques (Aβ42/40 ratio): Clusters of amyloid proteins disrupt brain cell communication, a key factor in Alzheimer’s.
• Tau proteins (p-tau217 & p-tau181): These form tangles in the brain, strongly linked to cognitive impairment.
• Neuroinflammation markers (GFAP & NfL): Indicate brain inflammation and neurodegeneration.

According to Dr. Kellyann Niotis, a preventive neurologist involved in the study, these biomarkers are not just diagnostic tools but a way to measure progress in patients actively working to improve their brain health.

A game-changer for early Alzheimer's detection and prevention

Currently, one major challenge is the variability in test accuracy among different commercial blood-testing platforms but at least progress has been made. Dr. Richard Isaacson, a leading Alzheimer’s researcher, compares the future of these tests to “the cholesterol test for the brain.”

Imagine a world where people in their 30s, 40s, and beyond get routine blood panels to assess Alzheimer’s risk—much like cholesterol or glucose tests today. Early detection could allow for preventive lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, sleep, stress management) that delay or even prevent cognitive decline.

Why early detection alone isn’t enough

While these tests can reveal Alzheimer’s risk, they don’t stop the disease on their own. Patients must commit to rigorous, science-backed lifestyle changes to slow—or even reverse—cognitive decline. The latest research shows that early action can make a dramatic difference, but only if patients follow through with disciplined, long-term protocols.

What the science says:

• A 2024 study presented at the American Academy of Neurology followed patients who made radical lifestyle changes. Those who adhered closely to their protocols saw significant drops in harmful biomarkers—some by as much as 84%.
• Dr. Richard Isaacson, a leading Alzheimer’s researcher, emphasises that “knowing your numbers is useless unless you act on them.”
• Patients who ignored recommendations saw no improvement, proving that detection must be paired with action.

The hard work required to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s

The most successful patients in the study didn’t just make minor tweaks—they completely transformed their habits. Here’s what worked:

1. A brain-healthy diet (No cheating)

• Mediterranean or MIND diet (leafy greens, berries, nuts, olive oil, fatty fish)
• Zero processed sugar (linked to inflammation and amyloid buildup)
• Low-glycemic foods to stabilise blood sugar (high glucose worsens tau tangles)
• Example: Study participant Penny Ashford cut out all sweets—no ice cream, cookies, or desserts—for over a year. Her tau levels dropped by 75%.

2. Intense, consistent exercise

• Aerobic exercise (150+ mins/week) to boost blood flow to the brain
• Resistance training (2-3x/week) to reduce neurodegeneration
• Yoga or meditation to lower stress (chronic stress accelerates Alzheimer’s)
• Result: High-compliance patients improved cognitive test scores by 5 points—enough to delay dementia onset by years.

3. Precision supplementation & medical oversight

• Omega-3s, vitamin D, and B vitamins to support neuron health
• Prescribed medications (if needed) for blood pressure, cholesterol, or insulin resistance
• Regular biomarker tracking to adjust protocols
• Key Finding: Patients who followed at least 60% of recommendations saw measurable improvements. Those who did less saw little to no change.

The reality: This isn’t easy—But it works

Many people hope for a “magic pill” to prevent Alzheimer’s, but the evidence is clear: Only consistent, disciplined lifestyle changes move the needle.

“You can’t just take a test and forget about it,” says Dr. Kellyann Niotis, a preventive neurologist. “If you don’t act, the disease will progress.”

Penny Ashford’s story [link to original article] proves it’s possible—but she describes her regimen as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

The future of Alzheimer’s prevention

While blood biomarker testing is still evolving, the potential is undeniable. Researchers are evaluating over 125 biomarkers to refine personalised medicine approaches. The goal? Democratising access to affordable, accurate tests that empower people to take control of their brain health.

For now, success stories like Penny’s offer hope: Alzheimer’s progression can be modified through lifestyle changes, and blood tests may soon help us track that progress in real time.

Key takeaways:

✔ Blood tests for Alzheimer’s are less invasive and more scalable than spinal taps or PET scans.
✔ Biomarkers like amyloid, tau, GFAP, and NfL can track disease progression and response to interventions.
✔ Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, sleep) can significantly improve brain health markers.
✔ The future may include routine “brain health” blood panels for early risk detection.

The fight against Alzheimer’s is entering a new era—one where early detection and prevention could change millions of lives.

If you or a loved one has concerns about Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive decline, we invite you to book a consultation with one of our doctors. Early guidance can provide clarity, support, and peace of mind.

_{References
American Academy of Neurology study on blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's
Role of amyloid and tau in Alzheimer's progression
Dr. Richard Isaacson on Alzheimer's prevention
Case study: Penny Ashford's biomarker improvements
Dr. Niotis on the necessity of action after detection}