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Currently, only invasive and expensive tests exist for the diagnosis of AD.  Many times, these tests are completed long after patients have began developing the unwanted signs and symptoms that accompany AD.  At the end of 2020, C2N Diagnostics released the first blood test detecting AD.  While currently this test is still not FDA approved in the U.S. (becuse of the extensive steps they must take prior to approval), research has shown it's high predictive value in the detection of AD.  Although it is still not FDA approved, it has been made available to patients in the clinic setting and the test is undergoing FDA approval (Alzheimer's Association, 2020).

This PrecivityAD test costs upwards of 1,250$, and each participant is available for a company household income-based reimbursement (making it in some cases, 300$) (Williams, 2020).  A small blood sample is taken from the patient's arm and it is then analyzed using mass spectrometry to measure the concentrations of amyloid beta 42 and 40, along with the presence of apolipoprotein E isoforms in the blood (West, 2020).  The ordering physician is then sent the patient's lab report, with an overall amyloid probability score (APS) assessing the likelihood of amyloid plaques in the brain (a hallmark finding in AD).  A low APS (0-36) is consistent with a negative amyloid PET scan result, which is inconsistent with AD.  An intermediate APS (37-57) does not distinguish between the presence or absence of amyloid plaques and warrants further diagnostic evaluation for the patient's cognitive symptoms.  A high APS (59-100) is consistent with a positive PET scan result/the presence of amyloid plaques and a subsequent AD diagnosis (if clinically consistent and should not be considered alone) (West, 2020).

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https://precivityad.com/physicians

https://www.c2ndiagnostics.com/press/press/2020/10/28/alzheimers-breakthrough-cn-first-to-offer-a-widely-accessible-blood-test

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- At the end of October 2020, C2N diagnostics released the PrecivityAD blood test for clinical use, with current study results showing high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
- Many other companies are continuing their research, based off of the new innovations, with predictions that more tests/combo tests will soon be readily available.

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These videoes explain in more detail about this medical technology breakthrough:

https://youtu.be/015_RBgXH3Q

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New Alheimer's Blood Test A Major Breakthrough For Patients, Loved Ones

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Alzheimer's Association. (2020, July). A Blood Test for Alzheimer's? Markers for Tau Take Us a Step Closer: AAIC 2020: Alzheimer's Association. https://www.alz.org/aaic/releases_2020/blood-biomarkers-tau.asp.

National Institutes of Health [NIH]. (2020, March 17). New blood test method may predict Alzheimer's disease. NIH Research Matters. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/new-blood-test-method-may-predict-alzheimers-disease.

West, T. (2020, October 29). Alzheimer's Breakthrough: C₂N First to Offer a Widely Accessible Blood Test.  https://www.c2ndiagnostics.com/press/press/2020/10/28/alzheimers-breakthrough-cn-first-to-offer-a-widely-accessible-blood-test

Williams, S. (2020, November). First Alzheimer's Blood Test Rolled Out for Clinical Use in US. The Scientist: Exploring Life, Inspiring Innovation. https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/first-alzheimers-blood-test-rolled-out-for-clinical-use-in-us-68117.

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- Not FDA approved (yet)
- Currently not approved to be used for the sole diagnostic test of AD.  Implementation to this degree will require completion of three key research phases of it's development and subsequent FDA approval.
- Currently not covered by insurance but is available for reimbursement

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- Non-invasive
- Quicker/earlier detection of this disease process
- Earlier detection can allow the use of medications/medical treatments to halt or slow the disease progression
- Cheaper alternative for diagnosis, compared to the current available diagnostic tools (CSF analysis and PET scan- can total up to 4,000$)
- Current available diagnostic tools slow the time to an actual diagnosis, along with the potential enrollment in Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment studies. This could aid in the quicker enrollment into these studies.
- Does not require any radiation exposure.
- C2N's test can detect earlier stages of the disease with reported accuracy of 88% (West, 2020)
- Studies have shown 98% accuracy in pTau181 (show up in later stages of AD) test results and pTau181 blood test research has led to the discovery of it's ability to differentiate between AD and other neurodegenerative diseases ([NIH], 2020)

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For my team of 5 other researchers, I would select Alice (acheiver), Cindy (connectedness), Carlee (consistency), Daniel (discipline), and Louis (learner).  I feel each one of these qualities would not only be a key asset on a researching team, but would also complement my 5 strengths.

I feel that connectedness would be key in connecting the group and connecting the targeted audience with the research.  Also, I feel that having a learner is important for the research material and its growth with continued advances in medicine and knowledge.  Next having a consistent and disciplined team member would be important for when the research process becomes long and feels never-ending.  Researching is not a short process and requires discipline and consistency.  Having team members with these qualities will be important in the continued growth and success of the innovative research, along with the overall process.  Furthermore, having a team member who is a learner will be a large contribution in not only the growth and the continued success of the research, but also the continued together-ness of the team.  Learners will be strong in learning each members strength and using those strengths to the success of the research process.  Lastly, as a fellow team member with the strength of an acheiver, I feel this would be important in the success of the research and in having members who partiicpate in, and who are focused on, the continued success of the research.

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I feel very positive about the introduction of this test and in the early clinical detection of AD.  AD has stolen many family members, too soon, and in a painful way.  Watching family members lose their daily functioniong, memory, and seeing their health slowly deteriorate is painful, to say the least.  By having more readily available early detection of this awful disease, thus warranting more early treatment, could potentially transform the further clinical management and available approaches to AD.  As medicine and healthcare advances, I feel it is vital that the available technology continues to progress in the more effective treatment and management of diseases.

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My top 5 strengths are relator, responsibility, achiever, strategic, and arranger. Specifically, I feel like these strengths would benefit a team of AD researchers for a few reasons. First, I feel as an arranger I would be able to arrange and coordinate a strong/successful researching team, leading to the best outcomes. Secondly, I feel being strategic could help in how to best conduct the research, along with the research subjects, and when to release the research results. Lastly, I feel as an acheiver, I would be an asset to the drive necessary for the researching process and results to be successful, providing overall good outcomes on ones health and well-being.