The Alzheimer Prediction Test is an effective way to detect Alzheimer's early on

Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. It is a progressive disease and the most common cause of dementia among the elderly. It progresses slowly, starting with mild symptoms that worsen over time. It results from the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. These plaques and tangles cause brain cells to die and the brain to shrink over time.

Prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease in Indonesia

According to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, around 27.9% of Indonesians experience dementia, amounting to more than 4.2 million people. The Alzheimer's Association noted that, by 2021, Alzheimer's disease became the fifth leading cause of death among individuals aged 65 and older. Based on Dementia Statistics data, the number of people over 65 with dementia in Indonesia is projected to reach 1.6 million by 2050.

Causes of Alzheimer's Disease

The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease has not yet been fully understood. It is most likely caused by a combination of different factors that interact with each other, rather than by a single factor. These factors can affect each individual differently and include:

• Genetic factors

• Family history

• Environment

• Lifestyle and daily habits

Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is characterized not only by memory impairment, but also by changes in thinking ability and behavior. A person with Alzheimer's disease may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Short-term memory loss that interferes with daily activities, such as forgetting appointments, repeatedly asking the same question, or failing to remember new events.

• Difficulty managing finances, paying bills, or understanding numbers and simple calculations.

• Difficulty completing routine tasks at home, at work, or during social activities or hobbies.

• A decreased ability to assess situations, such as making unwise or careless decisions.

• Frequent misplacement of items and an inability to recall the steps to find them.

• Confusion about time and place, such as not knowing the day or losing one's bearings in a familiar place.

• Changes in mood, personality, or behavior, such as becoming suspicious, anxious, confused, irritable, or socially withdrawn.

  
  

The importance of early detection

Many people only realize they have Alzheimer's when the condition has progressed to a moderate or severe stage. In the early stages, symptoms are often mild and vague, and are often misinterpreted as a normal part of aging. Early detection, however, provides greater opportunities for prevention, medical intervention, and better care planning to maintain patients' and families' quality of life. K-Lab now offers specialized tests to help detect Alzheimer's risk early, before symptoms worsen.

Alzheimer Prediction Test: Innovative Test for Early Detection of Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer's Prediction Test is a blood test designed to predict the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in the early stages. The test detects beta-amyloid (Aβ), a protein that is a key biomarker in the formation of amyloid plaques, which are one of the main causes of nerve damage in Alzheimer's disease.

The test uses immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to accurately measure the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio. A decreased ratio may indicate an increased risk of amyloid plaque buildup in the brain before clinical symptoms appear.

This test also has advantages over other methods:

• This test is non-invasive and only requires a venous blood sample. Unlike CSF analysis, which requires a lumbar puncture, this test is safer and more comfortable for patients. It also has much lower risks.

• It is also more economical than PET scans, which are generally expensive and only available in specialized hospital facilities.

• This test is convenient, safe, and accessible, making it an excellent choice for screening for early Alzheimer's risk in both primary care settings and clinical laboratories.

Beta Amyloid 42 as an Alzheimer's Biomarker

Aβ42 is a key biomarker for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, as established by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association. Because Aβ42 accumulates more easily and forms plaques in the brain, it is considered one of the biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease.

Aβ40, which is produced more abundantly and is more stable, is useful for comparison. Measuring the ratio of Aβ42 to Aβ40 increases the sensitivity and specificity of Alzheimer's disease detection.

Who is recommended for this examination?

• Individuals aged 50-65. This age group is entering middle age, when the risk of Alzheimer's disease begins to increase, so screening can be useful for early detection.

• Individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's disease are also at risk. Having a parent, sibling, or close family member diagnosed with Alzheimer's increases the risk of developing the disease and necessitates earlier monitoring.

• Adults with symptoms of decreased cognitive function should also be screened. For example, if they are experiencing symptoms of mild cognitive impairment, it is advisable to undergo an examination to determine the cause and appropriate treatment steps.

If you need more information about this exam, please consult our doctors at K-Lab Medical Center. You can also contact our clinic via WhatsApp at 0813-8136-7915.

Source ;

• Mayo Clinic - Alzheimer's disease

• Kemkes.go.id - Mengenal demensia alzheimer pada lansia serta tips merawat demensia Alzheimer

• Quest Diagnostics - Dementia: Biomarkers for Differential Diagnosis and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment

• CDC.gov – Alzheimer disease and dementia