Genova's Alzheimer's Assessment measures plasma p-Tau217, a reliable aid in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD).1
This assay helps detect AD pathology, including extracellular amyloid-beta plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau), before the onset of clinical symptoms.
Webinar
Unlocking Alzheimer's: The Power of p-Tau217
Dr. Dale Bredesen and Dr. Kaj Blennow explore one of the most talked-about biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease - plasma p-Tau217. Recognized globally as a potential game-changer, p-Tau217 has been featured in thousands of news outlets and is emerging as a leading tool for early detection and diagnosis.
Who should test?
The Alzheimer's Assessment is intended for adult patients aged 45 and older who present with cognitive impairment and are being evaluated for AD or other causes of cognitive decline.
There are comorbid conditions that may affect phosphorylated tau levels in the blood. These can include conditions affecting hepatic and renal function, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as a history of stroke or myocardial infarction. Certain medications to support kidney function may also play a role in heightened levels of p-Tau217. Additionally, differences in results based on racial and ethnic background, sex, and age have not yet been established.
Background:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder hallmarked by extracellular amyloid plaques and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles of phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) in the brain. The tau protein normally maintains microtubules assembly and stability of neuronal axons; however, tau protein with excessive phosphorylation can have pathological consequences. In patients with AD, aggregates of p-Tau can be detected by postmortem neuropathology evaluation or pre-mortem positron tomography (PET) imaging with specific tracers. Soluble p-Tau also accumulates in the CSF and can be detected in lumbar puncture samples, and ultra-sensitive methods including the technique used here can accurately detect p-Tau levels in the blood, which correlate well with CSF levels and with brain amyloid plaque burden. Plasma p-tau217 levels correlate with amyloid-PET imaging and are more sensitive and specific than p-tau181 in distinguishing AD from other neurodegenerative disorders.
References
- Ashton NJ, Brum WS, Di Molfetta G, et al. Diagnostic Accuracy of a Plasma Phosphorylated Tau 217 Immunoassay for Alzheimer Disease Pathology. JAMA neurology. 2024;81(3):255-263.
- NIA-AA. Revised Criteria for Diagnosis and Staging of Alzheimer's Disease: Alzheimer's Association Workgroup. DRAFT Body Text as of October 9, 2023, 2021.
- Noble W, Hanger DP, Miller CC, Lovestone S. The importance of tau phosphorylation for neurodegenerative diseases. Front Neurol. 2013;4:83.
- Telser J, Risch L, Saely CH, Grossmann K, Werner P. P-tau217 in Alzheimer's disease. Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry. 2022;531:100-111.
- Berry K, Asken BM, Grab JD, et al. Hepatic and renal function impact concentrations of plasma biomarkers of neuropathology. Alzheimer's & Dementia (Amsterdam, Netherlands). 2022;14(1):e12321.
- Mielke MM, Dage JL, Frank RD, et al. Performance of plasma phosphorylated tau 181 and 217 in the community. Nature medicine. 2022;28(7):1398-1405.
- Gouda M, Antwi-Berko D, van Leeuwenstijn MS, et al. Plasma phosphorylated tau 217 levels are highly stable under common pre-analytical sample handling procedures. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2023;19:e078393.
