AD-Detect™ Test for Alzheimer's
Disease is the first blood-based biomarker test for
assessing beta amyloid protein, a recognized marker of Alzheimer's
disease, available for consumer purchase to help individuals
identify their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease
Physician oversight included in offering,
helping individuals interpret results and determine next
steps
SECAUCUS, N.J., July 31,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics
(NYSE: DGX), the leader in diagnostic information services,
today announced the availability of the AD-Detect™ Test for
Alzheimer's Disease on questhealth.com – the first blood test
available for consumer purchase that helps assess potential risk of
developing Alzheimer's disease based on a brain protein that
contributes to the condition.*
Quest launches the novel innovation amid a rapidly changing
landscape for Alzheimer's disease care, featuring new and emerging
therapies, growing recognition that non-pharmacological
interventions can reduce Alzheimer's disease risk, and greater
medical acceptance of blood tests to aid early Alzheimer's disease
detection.
AD-Detect is a screening test that uses plasma, the liquid
component of blood, from a single blood draw to evaluate levels of
amyloid beta proteins to help detect early signs associated with
the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid beta proteins
are known to accumulate and form plaques in the brain, which are
linked to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. AD-Detect
evaluates the ratio of two peptides of amyloid beta, Aβ42 and Aβ40,
in plasma.
The new consumer-initiated test utilizes the same expertise and
technology as Quest's clinical AD-Detect Amyloid Beta 42/40 Ratio
test, an analytically validated blood test that aids in assessing
the risk of Alzheimer's diseasei,ii, which the company
launched for physician ordering in early 2022. By making the
innovation available through Quest's consumer-initiated testing
platform, questhealth.com, people can purchase AD-Detect
without the need to visit a doctor first, giving them greater
agency over the decision on when and how to assess their cognitive
health. The test offering also ensures individuals have access to a
continuum of care, with an independent physician network providing
clinical oversight of test ordering and results delivery.
Individuals can discuss results with a licensed physician to help
them understand what their results may mean and to determine an
action plan for continued care, including whether a follow-up with
their physician or a specialist may be appropriate.
"We are seeing much attention on emerging therapies for
Alzheimer's disease, but with new treatment options will come the
need to make screening and diagnosis more widely available. Blood
tests like AD-Detect hold incredible potential to make Alzheimer's
disease risk assessment both accessible and convenient," said
Michael K. Racke, M.D., Medical
Director of Neurology, Quest Diagnostics. "We're also seeing a push
from consumers who have a desire to take more control of their
health, including within more advanced areas like Alzheimer's
disease risk assessment."
Consumers have expressed a desire to take a more proactive
approach to Alzheimer's disease screening and a willingness to
explore earlier diagnosis, particularly if it can connect them to
earlier treatment options. A recent research reportiii
from Quest Diagnostics based on a Harris Poll survey found that
adult Americans want to be evaluated for dementia, including
Alzheimer's disease, nearly 10 years earlier than current medical
practiceiv – even despite fear of a diagnosis. The
vast majority (86%) also believe blood tests for the early
detection of Alzheimer's disease risk will increasingly become
a regular part of preventative care.
Detection of Alzheimer's disease has traditionally involved
screening individuals for symptoms of cognitive impairment, such as
forgetfulness, followed by invasive and expensive tests, such as
PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid tests, to confirm a diagnosis.
Interventions to stall or potentially mitigate Alzheimer's disease,
including behavioral changes (such as exercising more) or use of
emerging Alzheimer's disease therapies, may be most effective when
initiated in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
The new test from Quest may be appropriate for individuals who
believe they are experiencing cognitive decline or if an
individual's loved one recognizes potential signs of mild cognitive
impairment, such as memory loss, as well as those with family
history of Alzheimer's disease – even if they are not exhibiting
symptoms, are 65 years of age or older, or have had brain trauma or
head injury. Blood tests like AD-Detect can help provide insights
on potential risk of Alzheimer's disease and help individuals
facilitate necessary discussions with their doctors.
Individuals who purchase a test online and have the test ordered
by the independent physician network will be prompted to
schedule an appointment at one of 2,100 Quest Diagnostics patient
service centers for a blood draw. Test results are made available
on a secure patient portal and delivered in a clear, easy-to-read
report.
Licensed physicians provide oversight for all tests based upon
the information that individuals provide to Quest. This includes
test ordering and evaluating results once available. With
AD-Detect, individuals can also discuss their results with a
licensed physician through the independent physician network that
orders the test. In addition, they can share results with other
doctors, such as their regular primary care physician, providing
multiple ways to connect with a healthcare provider who can help
determine interventions and a management plan that is most
beneficial to each individual.
More than 6 million Americansv have Alzheimer's, the
most prevalent dementia, a number projected to reach 14
millionvi by 2060. With blood tests comes the
potential to identify people at risk for Alzheimer's disease even
before symptoms manifest. A growing body of research suggests
lifestyle and environmental factors, from physical activity to
social interactions, can contribute to Alzheimer's
disease.vii
Quest Diagnostics has long-standing history of advancing science
in the field of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Through
its Advanced™ Neurology and Athena Diagnostics business, Quest
provides an industry-leading menu of laboratory tests for
evaluating dementias, including Alzheimer's disease. It pioneered
the first AB 42/40 test for use in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which
is the basis for its AD-Detect 42/40 blood test. It also provides a
range of testing services to help evaluate ApoE status and the tau
protein.
With the introduction of AD-Detect to its consumer-initiated
testing business, Quest is pioneering a new path in Alzheimer's
disease risk assessment through a consumer-powered channel that
offers access to healthcare providers who can help guide people to
understand their results and develop a care plan.
AD-Detect is now available for purchase to adults (ages 18+) in
the United States** on
questhealth.com.
For more information, visit questhealth.com and follow
@testwithquest on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
*The AD-Detect Test for Alzheimer's Disease available through
Quest's consumer-initiated testing platform is a screening test to
help identify potential risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. It
is not a diagnostic test. Only a physician or healthcare
professional can provide an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, and the
risk of having Alzheimer's disease as the underlying cause for mild
cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia should be considered in
conjunction with the findings from medical and family history,
physicals, nutritional deficiency biomarkers, neurological and
neuropsychological examinations, and neuroimaging. Individuals
may seek to confer with a physician to understand their results and
whether additional testing and assessment is right for them.
**Excludes AK, AZ, and HI
About Quest
Quest, through questhealth.com, empowers consumers by making
affordable, high-quality, trusted healthcare easy. With innovative
tools, we give consumers more control over their own healthcare
journeys and meet them where they are, supporting both consumers
and their care teams. Our consumer-initiated test service allows
people access to the same quality lab tests used by doctors and
hospitals, providing the information and insights they need about
their health. With more than 75+ lab tests available at
questhealth.com, from general health profiles to tests for
conditions ranging from heart health to sexually transmitted
diseases, consumers can shop, schedule test appointments, and
access results securely from a phone or computer.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics empowers
people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the
world's largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic
insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire
healthy behaviors and improve health care management. Quest
annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the
physicians and hospitals in the United
States, and our nearly 50,000 employees understand that, in
the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights
can inspire actions that transform lives.
www.QuestDiagnostics.com.
Quest® is the brand name used for services offered by Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated and its affiliated companies. Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated and certain affiliates are CLIA-certified
laboratories that provide HIPAA-covered services. Other affiliates
operated under the Quest® brand, such as Quest Consumer Inc., do
not provide HIPAA-covered services.
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i Data on file. Quest Diagnostics;
2022.
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ii Burnham SC, Fandos N, Fowler C, et
al. Longitudinal evaluation of the natural history of amyloid-β in
plasma and brain. Brain Commun. 2020;2(1)fcaa041.
doi:10.1093/braincomms/fcaa041
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iii The Coming Alzheimer's Disease
Healthcare Revolution: U.S. Physician and Adult Perspectives on the
Future of Diagnostics and Treatment
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iv The Coming Alzheimer's
Disease Healthcare Revolution
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v Alzheimer's Facts and Figures
Report | Alzheimer's Association
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vi The Truth About Aging and
Dementia | CDC
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vii
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6
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SOURCE Quest Diagnostics