First autopsy-validated, highly accurate, and minimally invasive DISCERN™ test is now available to support a clinician’s definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease versus other, possibly curable conditions, giving individuals an opportunity to get the right treatment plan sooner—while giving families greater peace of mind. 

May is Older Americans Month (OAM) and a great time to focus on the needs of older Americans to better help them remain in their homes and live independently for as long as possible. Optimal health is an important concern for many older adults, especially for those facing the symptoms of dementia.

When dementia symptoms develop, it’s important to know if an individual is exhibiting Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or some other condition that can be curable or managed with different interventions. An early diagnosis of AD can help to alleviate worry for older Americans and get them on the right AD therapeutic journey sooner.

Fortunately, there is good news: the first highly accurate, minimally invasive skin test supporting a clinician’s definitive diagnosis of AD versus other forms of dementia, even in early disease, is now available. This test is designed to accurately assess the loss of synaptic activity in the brain, where memories lie, due to AD.

Right Diagnosis

Typically, AD can take years to diagnose. The condition tends to progress slowly and affects people in different ways. On average, a person with AD lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors.

Without a definitive diagnosis, many families are left with a frustrating and expensive uphill battle in the care journey.

Early Diagnosis

An early AD diagnosis allows patients to get treatment sooner, saving time, money and the hopelessness that patients and caregivers often feel when they don’t know what to do. Early diagnosis also gives patients the chance to have a say in their care.

Now that there are more treatment options becoming available for people with AD dementia, having an accurate diagnosis of AD earlier in the disease journey is of growing importance to older Americans.

During Older Americans Month, we hope that more people will take the time to consider how to improve quality of life for the older people in their lives, including new ways to help them age in place and get the best possible healthcare.

To learn more visit here.