Dementia Prediction Program

Dementia still has no cure, but you can know about it in advance from a new blood test.
By finding out the levels of proteins that cause Alzheimer’s disease, the disease can be predicted up to 5-10 years prior to the onset of physical symptoms.
Results are available within 90 days. The test is easy, safe, and painless with 89% accuracy.

This program is part of the Proactive Development Plan for the Healthy Brain Initiative of Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, in conjunction with the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI)

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for about 70% of dementia cases and is considered the most common cause of dementia.

Examinations for Alzheimer’s disease can be carried out many years before a patient begins to exhibit symptoms. In the past, PET scan tests or lumbar punctures were used to detect abnormal levels of the proteins that are key indicators of Alzheimer’s. In recent years, however, new and previously unavailable technology has been developed enabling laboratory tests to measure levels of these proteins in blood samples, making testing much easier and less painful for the patient.

This program uses a blood test to detect levels of “amyloid beta” and “phospho-tau” proteins, key markers for Alzheimer’s, and genes that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. It also includes a test for the presence of “neurofilaments” in the blood that indicate brain damage, thereby helping to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in patients and even hidden dementia or brain loss 5-10 years prior to the onset of physical symptoms.

In comparison to PET scans or lumbar puncture tests, this new examination method has proven to be far more accurate, up to 89%. As such, it provides huge benefits in the prevention or deceleration of dementia or, at the very least, proper preparation for future symptoms of the disease. A neurologist specializing in nervous system and brain will be present to help introduce lifestyle changes and any appropriate future plans for the patient, as well as to continue to monitor the patient’s symptoms going forward.

Those aged 60 and older are at risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. One-sixteenth of adults aged 60 and above are at risk of Alzheimer’s disease, while one-sixth of adults aged 80 and above have a greater chance of having the disease. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease have no cure but can be decelerated if they are detected soon enough.

Those who should test for risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia include: 

1. Anyone aged 40 or above who has a family member or direct relative with dementia
2. Anyone aged 60 or above