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FDA Doesn’t Approve Alzheimer’s Test - Yet

The FDA has postponed approval of an Alzheimer’s test, Amyvid, to be performed on the living brain. Eli Lilly/Avid Radiopharmaceutical has designed this scan to identify the telltale sign of the disease – amyloid plaque. The test uses an injectible compound which travels in the blood stream, binds with beta-amyloid plaque and is then highlighted by a PET scan. The test most likely will be used for early detection.

The FDA did not approve this test because it felt medical personnel like, radiologists and technicians, performing it would need more training in interpreting it. Also, the FDA wants to make sure there is data reliability as there might be too many false positives especially in people over eighty years old. However, the mood is optimistic that the scan will be approved later this year proving to be a boon for researchers. Amyloid plaque buildup needs to be observed and evaluated throughout the years in order to be better understood for its role in disease process. When does that tipping point into Alzheimer’s occur?

Meanwhile it’s back to evaluation via interview/observation, case history, famiy input and MRI evaluation of brain shrinkage.

To prevent or postpone Alzheimer’s:

For more information on caregiving read my book, Changing Habits: The Caregivers' Total Workout. To listen to archived radio shows with guest experts visit Turn On Your Inner Light Radio Show



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