Alzheimer’s is a tricky disease to say the least. Diagnosis is based on patient history, history of the disease in the family, and by observing symptoms of neurological disorder. But even then, it could be another form of dementia. In fact, the only way to truly diagnose Alzheimer’s definitively is to examine the brain post-mortem. That is, until now that was the only way to diagnose the disease. A major breakthrough was made recently, not just technologically, but socially. In Britain, people on NHS (national health insurance) can receive a highly accurate test that can detect Alzheimer’s close to definitively.
Better Diagnosis
The test is called the Amyvid test. Developed by U.S. medical firm Lilly, the test involves giving the patient a radioactive chemical called Amyvid. The main sign of Alzheimer’s is the presence of senile plaques and tangles in the brain. Amyvid binds to these and reveals the plaques during a brain scan.
It’s a seminal breakthrough for a number of reasons:
- Currently, 1 in 5 cases of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease don’t have it. They received the wrong treatment when they were alive and only upon autopsy did medics realize it was another neurological disorder. Now, the Amyvid test can rule out Alzheimer’s, sparing a patient from incorrect treatment.
- Conversely, if someone displays symptoms of a neurological disorder, the Amyvid test can be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s.
- Not only can it be used to rule out Alzheimer’s disease, but the test also gives a time frame. Meaning, based on the test, doctors can rule out Alzheimer’s for roughly the next five years.
- This highly advanced test had been previously only available via private health insurance. Britain will be the first country that will cover the Amyvid test completely on their national health care.
Hope for the Future
In the U.K. approximately 800,000 people suffer from dementia. Of that number, two thirds suffer from Alzheimer’s. Still more gloomy is that the number is expected breach 1 million in 2021. As of now, dementia is the chief cause of disability in the elderly. More than cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
The Amyvid test will mean far more accurate diagnoses for dementia. Patients can be given the proper treatment respective to their form of dementia. Still, treatment obviously doesn’t mean cure. In the case of Alzheimer’s it only means easing the symptoms. The test can provide advanced detection, but nothing more.
With our continuous march into the future, we’re only getting more and more advanced. Sometime within this century it’s possible that we’ll conceive of a way to stop dementia before it takes hold.
Dr. Potts is a gentle, caring dentist who uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. He practices comfortable, health-centered dentistry, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition to his technical proficiency, Dr. Potts is a careful listener. He makes sure to understand what you want and will explain beforehand what treatment is best for your individual needs, along with all options available to you. Check out our Twitter, Facebook page, and website.
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