alzheimer’s Blood biomarker Testing Poised to Revolutionize Diagnosis

OTTAWA – A new approach to screening for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using blood tests to detect key biomarkers is showing promise for earlier diagnosis and intervention. Instead of relying on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained through lumbar punctures, analyzing plasma for biomarkers offers a less invasive and potentially more accessible method, according to Mari DeMarco, PhD, a clinical chemist at St. Paul’s Hospital and clinical professor at the University of British Columbia.

The Promise of Blood-Based alzheimer’s Biomarkers

speaking at the Canadian neurological Sciences Federation Congress 2025, DeMarco highlighted the potential of identifying AD biomarkers in plasma. While CSF analysis has long been the standard, she noted that

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research has confirmed that AD pathology also leaves a detectable “signature” in the blood. one biomarker, phosphorylated tau 217, is proving particularly easy to identify in plasma.

The FDA cleared the first blood test to aid in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease in people exhibiting symptoms of the disease [[2]]. This advancement could significantly impact the speed and accessibility of AD diagnosis.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the advantages, DeMarco cautioned against the immediate widespread adoption of plasma biomarker testing in primary care. One key challenge lies in the careful collection and handling of plasma samples to ensure accurate biomarker quantification.The long-term stability of these biomarkers in storage is another potential concern, as storage time affects their diagnostic accuracy in storage.

Moreover, DeMarco emphasized that the individual ordering the test should ideally be involved in managing the patient’s care, especially when the goal is to determine eligibility for anti-amyloid therapies.She suggested a hybrid model involving both primary care physicians and specialists as a potential solution.

Mass Spectrometry: The Gold Standard

Advancements in biomarker identification, such as the progress of mass spectrometry, have significantly improved accuracy. DeMarco explained that early CSF assays suffered from high variability and questionable accuracy, prompting a push for more reliable methods. Mass spectrometry is now considered the “gold standard” in this field.

A Neurologist’s Perspective

Pardh Chivukula, MD, a neurologist at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and vice president of the Canadian Neurological Society in Calgary, believes that plasma biomarker testing could streamline healthcare delivery in Canada. He envisions a future where patients are triaged in primary care through blood tests, with those at higher risk referred to specialists.

“The field is still very early on in development,” Chivukula noted, emphasizing that this is a long-term goal that could significantly improve the efficiency of the healthcare system.

The Predictive Value of Plasma Biomarkers

Plasma biomarkers may offer both negative and positive predictive value in ruling out or confirming AD. However, depending on the initial test result, confirmatory testing, such as another blood test, CSF analysis, or PET scan, may be necessary.

Pro Tip: Consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate diagnostic approach for Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s Blood Biomarker Testing: Key Considerations

Disclaimer: This article provides general details and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

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