Could this blood test detect Alzheimer’s earlier?

Health and wellness

Do you often worry about a loved one’s memory? Watching someone close to you struggle to remember names, get confused or lose pieces of who they once were can be frustrating and make you feel helpless.

Until recently, diagnosing Alzheimer’s meant waiting for symptoms — such as memory loss or confusion — to appear. By that time, significant damage to the brain had already occurred. Imaging tests like MRIs or PET scans offered more clarity, but they’re expensive, not widely available and still limited in what they can detect early on.

But that’s beginning to change.

“I’ve spent my career caring for people with Alzheimer’s,” says Todd Levine, MD, neurologist and director of neuroscience research at the HonorHealth Research Institute. “It’s a disease that not only robs memories — it changes lives, families and futures. That’s why this new research and breakthrough into early detection for Alzheimer’s is so exciting.” 

Spotting Alzheimer’s early


Recent studies show that a simple blood test can detect specific proteins linked to Alzheimer’s — including one called p-Tau217. These proteins act as biomarkers, offering a chemical clue that something may be happening in the brain long before symptoms show up — a potential sign of early-stage Alzheimer’s.

“Think of it like a smoke detector,” Dr. Levine states. “You may not see the fire yet, but the alarm is telling us something’s beginning to smolder. That gives us time to act.”

In fact, research suggests this test could reveal risk up to 15 to 20 years before a diagnosis would typically be made — giving you a critical head start before the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s appear.

Spotting Alzheimer’s early with a p-Tau217 blood test

Why this matters — even if you feel fine

You might wonder, “If I’m not having symptoms, why would I want to know?”

That’s a valid question, but knowledge is power. If you’re at higher risk, the proper steps can be taken now — while your brain is still healthy.

Those steps can include lifestyle changes proven to support brain health, like:

And perhaps most important, early detection could make you eligible for new treatments or clinical trials aimed at stopping the disease before it starts.

It’s the same idea as heart health. If your cholesterol is high, don’t wait for a heart attack — you take action. That same logic can be applied to your brain.
 

Start the conversation

These blood tests aren’t yet part of standard checkups, but they’re becoming more available — especially in research-focused clinics like the Bob Bové Neuroscience Institute at HonorHealth.

  • They may be a good option if:
  • You have a family history of Alzheimer’s
  • You’ve noticed early signs of Alzheimer’s, such as forgetfulness or confusion
  • You want to take a proactive approach to brain health

You may not need the test right away, but starting a conversation with your doctor is a powerful first step.
 

A message of hope

This isn’t about fear. It’s about possibilities.

“For the first time, we have a tool that can help us protect what matters most — your identity, your relationships, your voice — before those things are at risk,” Dr. Levine states. “It’s not perfect, and it’s not for everyone. But it’s a leap forward.”

If you’ve been wondering about your memory, or if you just want to stay ahead of your health, don’t wait. Ask questions. Talk to your doctor. Get the facts.

“We’re shifting from asking, ‘How do we treat Alzheimer’s?’ to ‘How do we stop it before it starts?’” Dr. Levine says. “And for the first time in a long time, we have real hope that we can.” 

Worried about memory loss or cognitive health?

The Bob Bové Neuroscience Institute at HonorHealth offers advanced care for brain health, including early detection tools for Alzheimer’s disease. If you or a loved one notices changes or has a family history, now is the time to act.

Through the HonorHealth Research Institute, patients also have access to innovative clinical trials and the latest innovations in Alzheimer’s care — often before they’re widely available.

Take that first step