FDA Approves First Blood Test to Aid in Alzheimer’s Diagnosis, Giving Families a Head Start on Care Planning
In a major advancement for Alzheimer’s detection, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first blood test to help diagnose the disease in adults 55 and older showing signs of cognitive decline.
The test, called Lumipulse G β-Amyloid Ratio (1-42/1-40), measures proteins in the blood associated with Alzheimer’s—offering a much less invasive and more affordable option than current brain scans or spinal taps.
Alzheimer’s disease impacts too many people, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined,” said FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Knowing that 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double, I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients.
What This Means for Families
In layman's terms, this blood test looks for telltale protein changes—specifically the ratio of pTau217 to β-amyloid 1-42—that signal the development of amyloid plaques in the brain, a key marker of Alzheimer’s.
Previously, confirming these changes required expensive PET scans or invasive procedures like lumbar punctures.
Now, a simple blood draw at a doctor’s office can help determine whether someone may be in the early stages of the disease, prompting quicker follow-up care, treatment, or planning.
Today’s clearance is an important step for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, making it easier and potentially more accessible for U.S. patients earlier in the disease,” said Dr. Michelle Tarver, director of patient science and engagement at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Early detection gives families a critical window of time to:
- Start medications or therapies that may slow progression
- Organize financial and legal documents
- Explore long-term care options
- Access support programs and caregiver services
For older adults with long-term care insurance, it also means activating policy benefits sooner—helping pay for in-home care, adult day services, or memory care facilities.
The Burden of Alzheimer’s and Long-Term Care
Alzheimer’s affects nearly 7 million Americans today and is expected to impact almost 13 million by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s the most common form of dementia and one of the costliest diseases to manage.
- In 2023, Alzheimer’s and other dementias cost the nation $345 billion. Most dementia care is not paid for by health insurance or Medicare. Medicaid will pay for dementia care for those with limited financial resources, andLong-Term Care Insurance will pay for extended care for those with an LTC policy.
- That number is projected to exceed $1 trillion by mid-century
- Family members provide an estimated 18 billion hours of unpaid care annually
While early diagnosis may improve care coordination, Medicare and health insurance do not cover long-term custodial care, such as help with bathing, dressing, or 24/7 supervision. That burden often falls on adult children and spouses unless the care recipient has an LTC policy or they qualify for Medicaid.
Too many families discover too late that health insurance won’t pay for memory care or home aides. A test like this gives people more time to prepare—emotionally and financially.
Not a Standalone Diagnosis—But a Powerful First Step
The Lumipulse test is not a one-and-done answer. It’s meant to be used alongside clinical evaluations, neurological exams, and possibly brain imaging. However, it provides doctors and patients with earlier evidence to guide them in taking the next steps.
Get Help and Plan Ahead
If your loved one is showing signs of memory loss or confusion, talk to a doctor about whether the new blood test is appropriate.
Early answers can bring peace of mind—or the time you need to plan.
Quality Long-Term Care Can Improve Life with Alzheimer’s
Access to quality long-term care can make a meaningful difference in the life of someone living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. As the disease progresses, professional caregivers provide structure, safety, and personalized attention that family alone often cannot sustain.
Whether it’s in-home care, adult day services, or a memory care facility, professional support offers:
- Routine and consistency that help reduce anxiety and confusion
- Supervised medication management to prevent dangerous errors
- Engaging activities that stimulate memory and social interaction
- Specialized training in managing behavioral symptoms like agitation or wandering
- Physical assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility
- Respite for family caregivers, helping loved ones preserve their own health and relationships
Good care isn’t just about meeting basic needs—it’s about preserving dignity and connection,” said Cheryl M., 63, ofSan Diego, CA, whose mother lived with Alzheimer’s for eight years. “Once we found the right memory care community, we became daughters again—not just overwhelmed caregivers.
For families with Long-Term Care Insurance, benefits can cover much of the cost, including in-home care and memory care, giving more choice in selecting higher-quality services.
Find quality long-term care services with the LTC News Caregiver Directory
Planning ahead allows your loved one to receive compassionate care while you maintain peace of mind—and time to focus on being family.
Top Online Resources for Alzheimer’s Support and Services
- Alzheimer ’s Association (alz.org)
- The leading nonprofit dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
- Offers a 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900), support groups, care planning tools, and the annual “Facts and Figures” report.
- Search tools for local chapters and memory care resources.
- National Institute on Aging – Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
🔗 www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers
- Government resources offer the latest research, treatment updates, clinical trial info, and caregiving tips.
- Run by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Family Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org)
- Focuses on supporting caregivers of those with dementia and other chronic conditions.
- Offers care planning tools, state-by-state service locators, webinars, and fact sheets.
- Alzheimers.gov
- U.S. federal government portal that consolidates educational resources, clinical trial links, and care planning help.
- Great for finding trusted public information in one place.
- LTC News – Alzheimer’s and Long-Term Care Resources
🔗 www.ltcnews.com
- Includes in-depth articles, planning tools, and expert insights into financing dementia care.
- Access the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator for up-to-date pricing on memory care, assisted living, and in-home care nationwide.
- Offers help with Long-Term Care Insurance claims in partnership with Amada Senior Care.
- Dementia Friendly America
- A national initiative to foster dementia-friendly communities.
- Offers toolkits and training for families, businesses, and civic organizations.