‘Amazing’ reduction in Alzheimer’s risk verified by blood markers, study says

CNN - Apr 8th, 2025
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A groundbreaking study presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting reveals that blood tests may soon revolutionize Alzheimer's diagnosis and prevention. These tests, which track biomarkers like amyloid and tau proteins, offer a less invasive alternative to spinal taps and expensive brain scans, enabling early detection and intervention. Participants like Penny Ashford, who revamped her lifestyle and saw significant improvements in her biomarkers and cognitive symptoms, showcase the potential impact of these tests.

The study, part of the BioRAND project, highlights the variability in blood test accuracy but also points to their promise in preventive care. Experts emphasize the importance of personalized approaches, as neurodegenerative diseases manifest differently in individuals. The ultimate goal is to make these tests as routine as cholesterol checks, democratizing access to preventive care. While challenges remain, the study's findings offer hope for millions at risk of Alzheimer's, indicating that lifestyle changes can significantly influence disease progression.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the potential for blood tests to revolutionize Alzheimer's diagnosis and prevention. It effectively combines scientific information with personal narratives to engage readers and highlight the significance of the research. The use of credible sources and expert opinions adds to the article's reliability, although the involvement of the authors in the study could introduce a conflict of interest.

While the article is timely and addresses a topic of significant public interest, it could benefit from a more balanced presentation of potential challenges and criticisms associated with the new diagnostic methods. Greater transparency regarding the study's methodology and limitations would enhance its credibility and help readers better understand the context of the findings.

Overall, the article succeeds in raising awareness about advancements in Alzheimer's diagnostics and their potential impact on public health. However, it should include more diverse perspectives and a deeper exploration of ongoing debates to provide a more nuanced view of the topic.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story presents a detailed account of the potential for blood tests to diagnose and track Alzheimer's disease using biomarkers like amyloid and tau proteins. It accurately reports on the study findings and the experts' opinions, such as Dr. Kellyann Niotis and Dr. Richard Isaacson, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of Alzheimer's diagnostics. However, while the article mentions the variability in test accuracy and the need for further validation, it could benefit from more explicit discussion on the limitations and ongoing research challenges in the field. The claims about lifestyle changes improving biomarkers are supported by the study but would benefit from additional corroboration from independent sources.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view by including perspectives from multiple experts involved in the study and discussing both the potential and limitations of blood tests for Alzheimer's. However, it primarily focuses on the positive outcomes and potential of these tests, with less emphasis on the challenges and criticisms from other experts in the field. This could lead to an impression of optimism without fully addressing potential pitfalls and differing opinions on the efficacy and readiness of these tests for widespread clinical use.

9
Clarity

The article is well-written, with clear language and a logical flow that makes complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience. It effectively explains the role of biomarkers in Alzheimer's diagnosis and the significance of the study's findings. The use of personal stories, such as Penny Ashford's, adds a relatable element that enhances understanding. However, the article could benefit from a more structured presentation of the study's limitations and future research directions to provide a more comprehensive view.

8
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including quotes from Dr. Kellyann Niotis and Dr. Richard Isaacson, who are directly involved in the research. The mention of the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting adds authority to the claims. However, the involvement of the article's authors in the study could introduce a conflict of interest, which might affect the impartiality of the reporting. Including more independent expert opinions could enhance the article's credibility further.

6
Transparency

The article is transparent about the involvement of its authors in the study, which is an important disclosure. However, it could improve by providing more detailed explanations of the study's methodology, sample size, and potential biases. While it mentions the variability of test accuracy, it does not delve deeply into the specific limitations or the state of peer review for the study's findings. Greater transparency in these areas would help readers better understand the context and reliability of the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/new-blood-test-may-help-diagnose-show-how-far-alzheimers-progressed
  2. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250401/A-new-blood-test-could-improve-how-Alzheimere28099s-disease-is-diagnosed.aspx
  3. https://medicine.washu.edu/news/highly-accurate-blood-test-diagnoses-alzheimers-disease-measures-extent-of-dementia/
  4. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250324220621.htm
  5. https://aaic.alz.org/releases-2024/blood-tests-alzheimers-biomarkers.asp