Alzheimer’s Risk Reduction Doesn’t Require a Blood Test, Experts Say
Experts advise against blood tests for Alzheimer's risk unless symptomatic. Focus on lifestyle changes instead.
POLICY WIRE — Phoenix, United States — New blood tests can detect early signs of Alzheimer’s, but doctors caution that they are not yet ready for general use and are not necessary for those without symptoms.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved four blood tests to help identify whether memory issues or cognitive decline are caused by Alzheimer’s. These tests may allow earlier access to treatments that can slow symptom progression, but experts say they should be used cautiously.
Despite this, some individuals without symptoms are seeking the tests, even though they are not recommended for asymptomatic people. Nicholas Ashton, a testing expert at Arizona’s Banner Health, emphasized that “the worried well should not be getting those tests” outside of research studies. Instead, experts recommend focusing on modifiable risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking, which have been linked to longer dementia-free life spans.
Dr. Josef Coresh of NYU Langone Health highlighted the importance of addressing these conditions early, noting that even delaying them can lead to significant long-term benefits. For instance, people who avoid these three risks in their 50s can live nearly 13 years longer without dementia than those with all three.
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Mark Yost, a 60-year-old from Phoenix, is one of many concerned about his own risk despite having no symptoms. He participated in a study that found his results were “intermediate,” suggesting some amyloid buildup but not at a concerning level. While he finds the uncertainty disappointing, he continues to take proactive steps such as exercise and mental stimulation.
A recent trial showed that healthy habits like regular exercise, resistance training, and following the MIND diet can slow cognitive decline in at-risk older adults. Dementia specialists also emphasize the importance of sleep, social engagement, treating hearing loss, and mental activity.
Studies reinforce that what’s good for the heart is also good for the brain. Coresh’s team analyzed decades of data showing that avoiding high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking significantly improves brain health, even for those with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s. Aggressive treatment of high blood pressure, in particular, has been shown to benefit cognitive function.
While Alzheimer’s blood tests remain under study, clinical trials are exploring whether current drugs might help prevent the disease before symptoms appear. Until then, experts urge individuals to focus on lifestyle changes rather than relying on testing for risk assessment.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
