How does the test work? This is a simple blood test based on the identification of protein deposits called amyloid, the accumulation of which in the brain damages the communication between the nerve cells, causes the destruction of the brain tissue and indicates Alzheimer’s disease.
Until now, the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease has been made mainly by a review of the medical history and a cognitive assessment. There are tests of biological markers using lumbar acupuncture (LP) or brain mapping for amyloid deposition, but these are intrusive tests, their availability in Israel is low and the cost to the health system is very high.
Prof. David Tana, expert in neurology, director of the Institute for Stroke and Cognition at Rambam, former chairman of the Neurological Association, who serves as a consultant to Medical Link, says that “now neurologists can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease accurately and at an early stage using biological markers, and not only using methods clinics that have been used until today. This is the beginning of a revolution in the field. The early detection can help in the process of examining suitability for receiving drug treatment at a stage when it may still be effective and encourage a change in lifestyle in order to delay the progression of the disease.”
Alzheimer’s – the leading cause of dementia
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease of the brain and is actually the most common cause of dementia in old age. According to the assessment of the Amda association, about 150 thousand women and men in Israel are currently dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s. according to a forecast Ministry of Healthby the year 2050, the number of dementia patients will triple.
The new test is intended for women and men over the age of 18 who received a referral from a doctor, and as part of the medical investigation of their cognitive status, were referred for further testing. The cost of an amyloid test is NIS 3,450. (Can be combined with two additional tests that allow adjustment to specific drug treatment or genetic prediction of the disease at an additional cost). The test is already available in Israel and as of today it is already included in most of the private health insurances in Israel and Medical Link estimates that the supplementary insurances of the health funds are also expected to subsidize it soon.