Frequently Asked Questions
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease of the brain and is the most common cause of cognitive decline and the development of dementia over the age of 65. Of course, it can also be contracted at a younger age.
Degenerative disease is caused by many different processes, in which the function of nerve cells in the brain is impaired, a process that ultimately leads to the death of nerve cells in the brain. In Alzheimer's disease, one of these processes is characterized by the accumulation of protein deposits called amyloid in brain tissue and the accumulation of another protein called tau within nerve cells.
The degenerative process progresses over time and involves different parts of the brain. Accordingly, thinking abilities are impaired, such as memory difficulties, orientation problems or difficulty retrieving words, and this can also be accompanied by changes in behavioral patterns. As they progress, these changes will lead to a decrease in the person's ability to function independently - this is the definition of dementia.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Yes. In the past, Alzheimer's disease was diagnosed when dementia had already developed. This means that the diagnosis was made when there was already extensive and irreversible damage to brain tissue.
In recent years, there has been a revolution in the field, and today there are means for early detection of Alzheimer's disease, including through biomarker testing - sampling of those proteins that accumulate in brain tissue as part of the disease mechanism.
Can Alzheimer's be diagnosed?
Until now, the presence of these proteins could only be detected for diagnostic purposes using a spinal fluid sample or a brain imaging test (PET-Amyloid).
Recently (May 2025), a blood test was approved by the FDA for use, which works by measuring levels of amyloid and tau, and the ratio between them. The test has demonstrated a high level of accuracy, but has not yet entered widespread clinical use.
It is also important to emphasize that biomarker tests are not intended as a screening test for the general population. They are intended only for people who present with symptoms that are suspicious of the onset of Alzheimer's disease, and as part of an investigation conducted by professionals. Each such case requires an individual medical evaluation, and the test (and its results) are not a substitute for a comprehensive clinical diagnosis.
Can Alzheimer's be diagnosed with a blood test?
It is crucial to seek medical attention in the early stages of the disease, when symptoms are mild and do not affect daily functioning, in order to allow for early diagnosis for the purpose of adjusting drug treatment, as well as to allow patients and their families to make important decisions about the future and be partners in planning treatment.
Why is early detection of Alzheimer's important?
Yes. Currently, there are new drug treatments that delay the functional deterioration of the disease and change its course. However, the treatments are not suitable for all patients, and are not intended for patients whose disease is already advanced, hence the importance of early diagnosis of the disease.
There are also drug treatments aimed at improving symptoms, which are expected to be more effective the earlier and more accurate the diagnosis.