What They Are Saying: Alzheimer’s Blood Biomarker Tests

The Alzheimer’s field is entering a new era. New, innovative tests can help detect biomarkers present in the blood to identify whether the disease is present. These tests represent a major advancement as a diagnostic tool and could soon be used as a more readily accessible screening tool to identify key indicators of early Alzheimer’s. 

Experts and stakeholders continue to share excitement around the impact and promise of blood-based tests for Alzheimer’s disease: 

"Earlier detection means more opportunity for early-stage interventions, which can extend independence and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer's. We now have two FDA-approved anti-amyloid therapies shown to slow cognitive decline when used soon after symptoms start." 

— Robert Redfield, former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

"Science now makes it possible to screen for Alzheimer's through a simple blood draw, something that could change the trajectory of millions of families' lives. Detecting Alzheimer's before symptoms appear helps patients and families plan for the future, seek care sooner and preserve their quality of life. As technology advances, our policies must keep up."  

—Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) 

“To change the trajectory of the disease for our children and grandchildren, we must make early Alzheimer's detection a national priority. That means expanding access to blood-based tests like p-tau217 so that patients can be diagnosed before their brains are permanently damaged."  

— Dr. Brent Beasley, retired internal medicine physician and Alzheimer's patient. 

“Defining a disease by its biology rather than symptoms has been the status quo for years in other areas of medicine such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes...The Alzheimer’s field is now making similar progress.

 — Nathaniel Chin, a geriatrician and medical director for the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in Madison

“...highly accurate blood tests could change the game in the speed in which we can conduct Alzheimer’s trials and get to the next new medication...These are absolutely transformational times.”  

—  Dr. Maria Carrillo, chief science officer of the Alzheimer’s Association. 

“Just like in a patient in whom cancer is detected, the treatment doesn't need to be initiated in a week, but six months is too long, and treatment would ideally begin within two months. Blood-based biomarkers will be crucial to help make this scenario into a reality.” 

—  Andrew E. Budson, MD, lecturer in neurology, Harvard Medical School; chief of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology, VA Boston Healthcare System 

“The Association urges providers across clinical care settings to utilize guidance on blood biomarker testing in conjunction with clinical judgement to support effective and appropriate use of these much needed tools.”   

—  Alzheimer’s Association statement on blood biomarker clinical practice guidelines 

“Addressing Alzheimer’s disease...requires not only advancements in biomedical science but also policy action to modernize diagnostic pathways and expand access to scalable, accessible detection tools deployable within primary care settings – particularly for underserved rural populations.” 

—  ITIF Report  

"Absent action from Congress, Medicare won't cover screening tools unless they have been recommended for coverage by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force – a review process that can take up to a decade or more. For rural patients, who are less likely to live near major health centers or clinical trials, these delays place needed care even further out of reach." 

— Sarah Hohman, Director of Government Affairs for the National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC)

“Nearly 90% [of voters] said they would credit President Donald Trump if he ordered Medicare to cover new detection tools and treatments”  

— Aiden Buzzetti, President, Bull Moose Project 

Innovative blood biomarker tests have the potential to transform Alzheimer's detection, diagnosis, and care – and offer patients and families earlier answers, more options, and greater hope.  

To learn more about these tests and the policy changes needed to support access, read the fact sheet here.