Jonathan Graff-Radford, MD

"Patients often don’t want to undergo a lumbar puncture. But a blood test is something that people are really used to from a screening perspective and can become a game-changer.”

Distinguishing Alzheimer disease (AD) from other neurodegenerative disorders, including different types of dementias, has been a top priority within the community for multiple decades. The surge of research on blood biomarkers, including P-tau217 and 181, amyloid beta (Aß) 42/40, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) through blood tests have helped AD specialists better understand the pathology of the disease and thus diagnose it at earlier stages.

This year has seen a multitude of studies delve into blood tests and biomarkers in general. Results from 2 studies presented virtually at the 

Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2020 meeting

 revealed that blood p-tau217 levels could distinguish Alzheimer disease (AD) from other neurodegenerative disorders as compared to other established diagnostic methods, and was also closely linked to the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain as measured by positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

Jonathan Graff-Radford, MD, neurologist, Mayo Clinic, is very high on the potential of these blood biomarkers, and claims it is the most important research development in the past decade. In an interview with 

, Graff-Radford discusses a few of the most promising diagnostic innovations, with an emphasis on blood tests leading the charge.

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The neurologist at Mayo Clinic detailed promising diagnostic tools, including the revelation of blood tests in patients with Alzheimer disease.

Jonathan Graff-Radford, MD: Blood Tests as a Diagnostic Innovation in Alzheimer Disease

"There’s a lot as a community and society that we can do to work towards lowering dementia rates worldwide.”

Alzheimer disease (AD) continues to be among the fastest growing neurological diseases in the world, affecting nearly 50 million people worldwide and over 5 million Americans each year. September 21, 2020, marks World Alzheimer’s Day, a day dedicated to those who are impacted each year by the disease.

 have acted as a platform for those within the community to have their voice heard, whether that be from a patient or clinician perspective. Jonathan Graff-Radford, MD, neurologist at Mayo Clinic, feels as though the day provides a voice for some of the more underrepresented populations of AD, including the quarter of a million Americans with the disease who are under the age of 65 years.

 to provide context on why the day is so special as well as why raising awareness may lead to greater incorporated prevention strategies for patients.

The neurologist at Mayo Clinic shares his thoughts on the state of Alzheimer disease awareness and what can be done to lower dementia rates. 

Jonathan Graff-Radford, MD

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Jonathan Graff-Radford, MD: Blood Tests as a Diagnostic Innovation in Alzheimer Disease

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