Community Update (7/15/25)

Wellness

A Simpler Way to Detect Alzheimer’s – Now Through a Blood Test

By Sunday Health

Sunday Health is a specialized cognitive care practice serving the DC–Maryland–Virginia region. On June 25, the organization’s CEO and Chief Medical Officer joined our Coffee and Conversation series to share valuable insights into their approach. Their full presentation, rich with useful information, can be viewed on ANV’s YouTube channel.

 

In May 2025, the U.S. FDA approved Lumipulse G p Tau217/B-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio (the Lumipulse test), the first-ever blood test cleared to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which accounts for as much as 60-70% of dementia cases. As a blood-based biomarker for Alzheimer’s pathology in the brain, the Lumipulse test represents a more accessible and less invasive option to traditional diagnostic tools like spinal taps or PET scans, one that will save both money and exposure to radiation for eligible patients. However, it’s important to note that no blood test —Lumipulse or otherwise—can actually diagnose AD.

Let’s take a closer look at why this approval represents an exciting and important new development for those experiencing problems with memory and thinking.

What the Lumipulse test Is:

• A diagnostic aid for people aged 55 and older who have begun experiencing symptoms of cognitive decline (e.g., memory loss, word-finding difficulty, or confusion).
• Used in combination with other clinical evaluations (e.g., cognitive testing, brain imaging, or spinal fluid analysis) to help determine whether the pathology of AD is likely present.

What It Is Not:

• a screening tool for individuals without symptoms.
• meant for routine annual checkups like a cholesterol test or mammogram.
• a standalone tool for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. The Lumipulse test provides evidence that amyloid pathology is present, a finding that must be interpreted by a specialist.
• a genetic test to identify the presence of the APOE4 variant or other inherited risk factors for dementia.

What the Lumipulse Test Measures—and Why That Matters

The Lumipulse test examines two key proteins in the blood: ß-Amyloid 1-42 and p-tau-217. These proteins are central to the pathological cascade that culminates in AD, a cascade that begins years (likely decades) before clinical symptoms appear. The test is most useful for people who are already experiencing symptoms, like memory trouble or confusion. When used, it is always one part of a comprehensive diagnostic process overseen by a trained specialist.

Why This Clearance Is Generating Excitement

The FDA’s clearance of the Lumipulse test marks a significant step forward in how we detect and manage AD. Until now, assessing the likelihood that amyloid plaques were present required either a PET scan, which is expensive and involves radiation, or a spinal tap, which is uncomfortable, also involves radiation, and can be difficult to access. In contrast, the Lumipulse test relies on a simple blood draw, making it far more accessible for older adults.

What’s more, Lumipulse has demonstrated impressive accuracy. In clinical studies involving nearly 500 people with memory symptoms, the test correctly identified Alzheimer’s-related brain changes in about 92% of positive cases and ruled them out in over 97% of negative ones. This makes it a valuable tool for doctors working to determine whether Alzheimer’s pathology underlies someone’s symptoms.

Perhaps most exciting is the potential for the Lumipulse test to accelerate the path to treatment. New disease-modifying medications in AD, such as Leqembi and Kisunla, explicitly target the early stages of the disease—but only in patients with confirmed amyloid buildup in the brain.

The Lumipulse test can help determine who is eligible for treatment, both more quickly and more affordably than previous methods.

[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment.]