Health
Alzheimer’s blood test achieves faster diagnoses, high accuracy at Mayo Clinic
With nearly seven million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s disease — and 13 million projected to have the illness by 2050 — early diagnosis and treatment are more urgent than ever.
To help address this, Mayo Clinic has announced a new, non-invasive blood test that detects a protein in the brain that signals Alzheimer’s.
The goal, doctors say, is for this test to offer a convenient, less invasive alternative to traditional diagnostic methods.
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Fox News Digital spoke to Dr. Alicia Algeciras-Schimnich, professor of laboratory medicine and pathology at Mayo Clinic Rochester in Minnesota, about the new test and what it means for Alzheimer’s patients and their families.
“This is the first Alzheimer’s disease blood test offered at Mayo Clinic Laboratories,” said Algeciras-Schimnich, who led the clinical validation study to gauge how well the test performed.
A new, non-invasive blood test detects a protein in the brain that signals Alzheimer’s, Mayo Clinic (not pictured) announced. (iStock)
“While there are other commercial blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease, the uniqueness of our test is its high accuracy rate.”
How does it work?
One of the hallmark features in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease is the formation of plaque containing a protein known as beta amyloid.
“The pTau217 assay assesses the accumulation of beta amyloid in the brain by measuring the amount of phosphorylated Tau 217 (p-Tau217) in the test sample,” said Algeciras-Schimnich.
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Accumulation of beta amyloid in the brain can also be evaluated by imaging techniques, such as PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, the doctor noted — but those methods have some limitations.
“The PET scan to evaluate beta amyloid is expensive and not a widely available technology,” said Algeciras-Schimnich.
The Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit medical practice and medical research group based in Rochester, Minnesota. Mayo Clinic has announced a new, non-invasive blood test to help determine if patients have Alzheimer’s. (iStock)
“And the CSF collection requires an invasive technique to remove spinal fluid, so it is also not widely used.”
The Alzheimer’s disease blood biomarkers serve as a non-invasive tool that can improve access for patients who need answers, she said.
How accurate is it?
In patients with symptoms of cognitive decline, the blood test has a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 96%.
“Sensitivity measures the ability of the test to correctly identify patients with the disease, while specificity measures the ability of the test to correctly identify those without the disease,” Algeciras-Schimnich explained.
“A blood-based test not only offers convenience, but could help transform Alzheimer’s disease research.”
Patients who take the test are classified as positive or negative for the presence of the accumulation of beta amyloid.
“In a small number of patients, the test will not be able to differentiate between the presence or absence of beta amyloid,” said Algeciras-Schimnich.
Patients who take the test are classified as positive or negative for the presence of the accumulation of beta amyloid. (iStock)
“These patients will need additional tests to determine if they are positive or negative for the accumulation of beta amyloid.”
The test is purposely designed to minimize the number of false positive results as compared to other tests, the doctor said.
“The test has been validated at Mayo Clinic through a rigorous quality process backed by scientific experts and clinicians,” Algeciras-Schimnich said.
The test is currently available for clinicians to order through Mayo Clinic Laboratories.
Evidence of Alzheimer’s disease is seen on PET scans at the Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment (CART) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, March 2023. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo)
“Since it is a blood test, it requires a blood draw by a phlebotomist, so anyone who is averse to blood should be aware,” said Algeciras-Schimnich.
At this point, the test is only recommended for individuals 50 years of age and older who have symptoms of mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia.
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“We don’t yet have enough data to support how the test performs in younger individuals,” Algeciras-Schimnich said.
Michelle Rankine, PhD, a certified dementia practitioner in Texas, is not associated with Mayo Clinic but shared her comments on the test’s potential.
Accumulation of beta amyloid in the brain can also be evaluated by imaging techniques, such as PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, the doctor noted — but those methods have some limitations. (Michael Robinson Chávez/The Washington Post)
“As the global burden of Alzheimer’s continues to rise, a blood-based test not only offers convenience, but could help transform Alzheimer’s disease research,” Rankine told Fox News Digital.
“This could make screening more efficient in averting the clinical onset of Alzheimer’s disease.”
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“This innovation addresses a growing need and could accelerate development of new treatments, improve patient evaluation and care, and potentially even allow for early intervention before symptoms become worse,” Rankine added.
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Feeling older than your actual age could be a sign that you’re not getting enough quality sleep, according to new research.
A study led by researchers at the National Sleep Foundation and published in the journal Sleep found that adults who felt older than their chronological age were more likely to report insomnia symptoms, irregular sleep patterns and daytime fatigue.
The study involved more than 3,100 adults, who were asked a simple question: “How old do you feel?”
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Researchers then compared participants’ answers with measures of sleep quality, sleep consistency and daytime functioning.
People who felt older than their actual age consistently reported poorer sleep and greater sleep-related impairment than those who felt younger or closer to their chronological age.
Feeling older than your actual age may indicate that you’re not getting enough high-quality sleep, new research suggests. (iStock)
Researchers also found that people who felt older than their age were more likely to report poorer physical health.
Jonathan Alpert, a New York-based psychotherapist and author who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital that the findings align with what he frequently sees in his practice.
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“I’ve worked with many people who come in saying they feel older than they are. They’re exhausted, mentally foggy, less patient, less motivated and generally not functioning at their best,” Alpert said. “Poor sleep is often a major part of the picture.”
Experts say insufficient sleep can make everyday demands feel more overwhelming and reduce a person’s ability to concentrate. (iStock)
Inadequate sleep can make everyday responsibilities feel more difficult and leave people struggling to concentrate, manage stress and maintain their usual energy levels, Alpert said.
Over time, he said, those challenges can contribute to a feeling of premature aging.
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“Many people assume feeling older is just an inevitable part of aging, but sometimes the issue is simply that they’re chronically sleep-deprived,” Alpert said.
For that reason, he suggested looking at sleep habits before assuming fatigue and low energy are simply consequences of getting older.
The findings showed that people who felt older than their chronological age consistently experienced worse sleep and more sleep-related impairment than those who felt younger or closer to their actual age. (iStock)
For now, Alpert said the findings offer a reminder that fatigue should not automatically be blamed on getting older.
While the findings were notable, there are several limitations to consider.
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The study relied on self-reported survey responses, meaning participants provided information about both their perceived age and sleep habits. The observational design also means the research cannot determine whether poor sleep influences how old a person feels or vice versa.
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America’s youth have been increasingly abusing common over-the-counter medications, according to poison center records.
A health advisory from America’s Poison Centers, representing 53 poison centers across the country, alerted a “concerning rise” in cases of diphenhydramine abuse among teens ages 13 to 19.
Diphenhydramine is commonly found in allergy and sleep medications such as Benadryl and Zzzquil, as mentioned in the advisory.
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From 2024 to 2025, the total exposure to any substance among teens in this age group reportedly increased by 5.1%.
But cases involving diphenhydramine alone increased more rapidly, from 10,068 to 13,284 cases, a 32% spike.
Thirteen percent of diphenhydramine cases in 2026 have been linked to intentional abuse, an increase from 7.3% in 2020. (iStock)
The trend appears to be continuing into 2026, as the first five months saw 6,179 diphenhydramine-only cases in teens — more than double the prior year.
According to America’s Poison Centers, the exposure appears to be driven by recreational misuse rather than accidental over-medication. Thirteen percent of cases in 2026 were linked to intentional abuse, up from 7.3% in 2020.
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Taking diphenhydramine improperly or in large amounts can affect the brain and heart, and can lead to serious or life-threatening effects, the advisory warned.
Diphenhydramine is commonly found in over-the-counter allergy and sleep medications. (iStock)
Some symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm and loss of consciousness.
To avoid overexposure and complications, America’s Poison Centers advises the public to store all medications safely, up high, and out of reach of kids and teens. Label instructions should be followed carefully.
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“Talk with teens about the risks of misusing medications, including serious health effects and poisoning,” the notice suggested. “Be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.”
Those who suspect misuse should contact the local Poison Control Center immediately.
America’s Poison Centers advises the public to “be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.” (iStock)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Benadryl manufacturer Kenvue commented that the “health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority.”
“The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately,” a Kenvue spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to those impacted by the misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products.”
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“We are working with social media platform safety teams to remove these dangerous posts and help stop this behavior from spreading,” they added. “We are also taking action to educate on the safe use and storage of over-the-counter medicines, including those with the ingredient diphenhydramine.”
“The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately.”
Mary Leonard, SVP of communications and public affairs for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, called the recent report “deeply concerning.”
“OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products,” she told Fox News Digital. “When used as directed, millions of Americans rely on OTC medicines containing diphenhydramine for relief from allergies, cold symptoms, motion sickness, minor skin irritations and occasional sleeplessness.”
“Because misuse of any medication can result in serious health consequences, the Drug Facts label clearly communicates dosing instructions, warnings and other important safety information.”
“OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products,” an industry spokesperson said. (iStock)
Kenvue shared the following three steps people can take to help prevent misuse.
- Report content related to this trend on the social media platform where it appears.
- Always store OTC medicines up and away in places children cannot access — preferably in locked cabinets or containers — and never leave medications on counters, bedside tables or in open bags, even temporarily.
- Carefully read and follow the instructions on the label and educate children on safe usage.
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“Dosing instructions and additional safety information are available on Benadryl.com, and always remember to consult a healthcare professional should you have questions,” the spokesperson added.
Fox News Digital reached out to Zzzquil maker P&G for comment.
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