
US FDA approves world's first blood test for Alzheimer's, and what it means
Live Events
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
When her mother began forgetting names and losing her way home, Maria Torres feared the worst, but had no easy path to answers. Now, a simple blood test could finally offer families like hers the clarity they've long needed.The US Food and Drug Administration FDA ), in a landmark diagnosis for dementia, has approved the world's first blood test designed to detect dementia disease in its early stages.The Lumipulse Plasma Ratio test, developed by Fujirebio Diagnostics, offers a less invasive and more accessible alternative to traditional diagnostic methods. Alzheimer 's disease, a progressive neurological disorder, affects over 6 million people in the United States, with numbers expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing the disease and exploring treatment options.The Lumipulse test works by measuring specific proteins in the blood that are associated with the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.Previously, detecting these plaques required costly and invasive procedures like PET scans or spinal taps. With this new blood test, a simple blood draw can provide valuable diagnostic information.Clinical studies have demonstrated the test's efficacy, with results showing high accuracy in identifying amyloid plaques. In a study involving 499 cognitively impaired individuals, the blood test's findings closely matched those obtained from PET scans and spinal fluid tests.The FDA emphasized that the test should be used in conjunction with other clinical evaluations to determine the appropriate course of action.FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary said,"Alzheimer's disease impacts too many people, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Knowing that 10 percent of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double."The approval of the Lumipulse test also has implications for treatment accessibility. Two FDA-approved drugs, Leqembi and Kisunla, have shown promise in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's by targeting amyloid plaques. However, their use requires confirmation of plaque presence, which the new blood test can facilitate more efficiently.Dr. Michelle Tarver, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, remarked, "Today's clearance is an important step for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, making it easier and potentially more accessible for US patients earlier in the disease."While the test represents a significant advancement, experts caution that it is not intended for individuals without symptoms and should be administered under medical supervision.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Economic Times
‘Razor blade throat': The COVID symptom alarming people right now
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Patients infected with COVID-19 are increasingly reporting an intense sore throat symptom, described by some as feeling like 'razor blades' in the throat. The term 'razor blade throat' has gained traction in parts of China, and search trends in the United States suggest growing concern over this specific to Google trends, searches such as 'new COVID variant painful symptom' and 'COVID razor throat' are on the rise. However, health experts stress that the symptom itself is not new or unique to any recent COVID-19 variant. While the description may sound alarming, physicians note that sore throat has long been among the common symptoms of read: Health experts sound alarm over terrifying new Covid variant found in US. Is it more dangerous? 'In the past, as new variants have come on the scene, there almost invariably have been questions about distinctive symptoms, and after a while, when you gather a lot of data, turns out not to be the case — all of these symptoms have occurred before,' said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to The Huff Post in noted that more recent omicron variants tend to cause less severe illness overall. Similarly, Dr. Carrie Horn, chief medical officer at National Jewish Health in Colorado, said that very sore throats have been associated with COVID-19 infections for some time. 'It's a symptom that has been associated with COVID infections for a while,' Horn said to The Huff stated that although he had not specifically heard the 'razor blade' terminology, he had encountered reports of painful sore throats among COVID-19 patients. Not everyone experiences this intense symptom, and it is not indicative of a new or more dangerous form of the virus.'There is not one outstanding COVID symptom that marks an infection,' said Dr. Mark Burns, an infectious disease specialist at UofL Health in Louisville, Kentucky to The Huff Post. 'A sore throat is a symptom of this, but also fever and cough and fatigue, these are all symptoms as well.'Also read: New Covid vaccine developed by USA researchers is ready to fight Coronavirus. How effective it is? Burns emphasized that the presence or intensity of a sore throat is not tied to any specific variant or form of the virus. 'To sum it all up, the symptoms, including sore throat, are really no different. There's no increased intensity based on sore throat or anything like that,' he noted that COVID-19 infections typically surge twice a year, once in winter and once in mid-to-late summer. He reiterated the CDC Advisory Committee's recommendation that individuals at higher risk of severe illness should receive two vaccinations annually: one in the fall and another in early guidance applies to adults aged 65 and older, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant people. 'The recommendation is take special precautions and get that extra dose, because if we get infected ... we get that extra protection and to help keep us out of the hospital,' Schaffner further reduce risk, Burns recommended masking indoors, maintaining social distance, frequent handwashing, and increasing ventilation. For those who do become infected, testing and contacting a healthcare provider are essential, especially for high-risk individuals, since effective treatments are read: The Covid connection behind rising measles cases across the US Horn advised using over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage symptoms, as well as prioritizing hydration. 'There's no reason to be miserable,' she said. Despite discomfort from sore throat, drinking water and herbal teas is critical to prevent dehydration and soothe inflamed membranes.'If you are sick, it's best to keep your germs to yourself,' Horn added. This includes skipping social events and staying home from work. If attending work is unavoidable, wearing a tight-fitting mask is strongly advised.


Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
The many benefits of rosemary: Secret to brain health is hiding in your kitchen
Rosemary, the aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean, has long been a staple in kitchens around the world. However, a recent study led by Dipa Kamdar from Kingston University reveals that rosemary's benefits go far beyond its culinary appeal. This powerful herb plays a vital role in supporting brain health, reducing inflammation, and enhancing immune function. Also read | Looking for hair growth solution? Try rosemary oil; doctor reveals this simple herb oil is the go-to for thicker hair According to multiple studies, rosemary has been associated with healthy brain function. One study associated rosemary to decreased risk of Alzheimer's. According to a study conducted by the researchers at Northumbria University, participants who inhaled rosemary's scent performed better in memory tasks than the ones who performed the same tasks in an unscented environment. Even historically, rosemary had been associated with better brain functioning. It is believed that in ancient Greece and Rome, students used rosemary to improve concentration and memory. Also read | Super herb: Benefits of rosemary water for great hair Blood circulation: Rosemary helps in stimulating blood circulation in the brain, which helps in delivering more blood and nutrients that can improve mental clarity. Calming properties: The aroma of rosemary is believed to have calming properties that can help in reducing anxiety and stress. It also helps in inducing better sleep. Lower stress can help in better memory retention and clarity. Antioxidants: Oxidative stress can cause damage to brain cells, that can affe4ct cognitive functioning. Rosemary is packed with antioxidants that can prevent this process. Also read | Habits that damage your brain health: Modern lifestyle routines you need to stop immediately Health-enhancing effects: Rosemary is loaded with carnosic acid, an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent that helps in shielding brain cells from harm. Beyond brain health: rosemary's health effects go beyond the brain. It also helps in easing digestion, relieving bloating and reducing inflammation. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


Economic Times
5 hours ago
- Economic Times
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw applauds Bengaluru professor who turned leaf into a straw: Know how it's now a global hit
— kiranshaw (@kiranshaw) Who is this professor? How did the idea come about? Live Events How did it help others? What happened next? Swadeshi Startup Award 2018 from IIT Delhi Swiss Re Shine Entrepreneur Award Climate Launchpad Award 2018 for social impact from Scotland (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Bengaluru-based billionaire Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw recently shared a video on social media that caught many people's attention. It featured a unique invention by an English professor who turned dry coconut leaves into eco-friendly straws . Her caption said it all: "Local ideas with global opportunities!"The man behind the innovation is Prof Saji Varghese , an English professor at Christ University Bengaluru . Though he holds a PhD in English, his work in sustainability has earned him praise both in India and all began on October 3, 2017, when Prof Varghese was walking home after class and spotted a dry coconut leaf on the ground. He noticed that part of it had naturally curled into the shape of a straw. Curious, he took it to a lab and steamed it under high pressure. To his surprise, the heat brought out a shiny surface on the leaf, sparking the idea of making it a plastic began experimenting with food-grade glue and different techniques. After months of trials, he developed a multi-layered straw in early 2018 that was strong, anti-fungal, and could stay firm in water for more than six hours. Even better, the straws had a shelf life of over 12 Varghese didn't stop with just creating the straws. He set up small production units in villages across Madurai Tuticorin , and Kasargod, giving jobs to rural women. The straws were launched under the brand name SunBird, and soon, local food businesses started placing innovation gained popularity quickly. Within a year, Prof Varghese's straws were being exported to 25 countries, including the US, Australia, and several European work has not gone unnoticed. He has won several awards, including:Inputs from TOI