Blood Test for Alzheimer's Disease Risk Assessment
"Know in Advance, Delay the Disease"
Alzheimer's Disease: A Leading Cause of Dementia
Individuals aged 60 and above have a 1 in 16 chance of developing Alzheimer's disease, and for those aged 80 and above, the ratio increases to 1 in 6.
The most significant cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. It results from structural abnormalities in the brain tissue due to the accumulation of a protein called **Amyloid-Beta**. **This causes brain cells to degenerate, leading to a loss of function and memory impairment, which results in behavioral and daily living abnormalities.** Secondary causes include cerebrovascular disease (stroke), along with genetic factors, environment, pollution, and stress.
Symptoms
Alzheimer's disease has an incubation period of 10–15 years before symptoms begin to appear. Patients typically show no symptoms and can function normally. By the time symptoms manifest, patients have already lost significant brain tissue, making rehabilitation difficult.
There are 3 Methods for Detecting Pre-Symptomatic Alzheimer's Disease
- **PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography Scan)**: A nuclear medicine technology. This method is relatively expensive and takes 2–3 days.
- **Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)**: Measures the levels of Alzheimer's-causing proteins by sampling cerebrospinal fluid.
- **Blood Test (OAB)**: A newer method that measures the aggregation of proteins (**Oligomerized Amyloid Beta: OAB**). Alzheimer's begins with the accumulation of Amyloid-Beta 20–30 years before dementia symptoms appear.
The OAB test helps assess the risk of early-stage Alzheimer's disease, allowing for detection and treatment in the initial phase. The test results have an accuracy of 86–88%, with a turnaround time of 30 days.
Test Results: Blood Analysis
Low Risk < 0.9
- Indicates a low risk of decline in cognitive function and memory.
- If cognitive function remains normal, re-testing is recommended after 24–36 months.
Intermediate Risk 0.9 - 1.0
- Indicates an intermediate risk of decline in cognitive function and memory.
- Re-testing is recommended after 12 to 18 months, along with managing underlying diseases and modifying lifestyle behaviors.
High Risk >1.0
- Indicates a high risk of decline in cognitive function and memory.
- Further examination by a dementia specialist is recommended, along with strict lifestyle modifications.
- Re-testing is recommended after 6 to 12 months.
Additional Recommendations
- Screening is recommended for individuals aged 40 and above.
- A high-risk test result does not equate to a confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
- A high-risk test result may be influenced by poorly controlled underlying diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, or obesity, as well as sleep problems, stress, alcohol consumption, and smoking.
- If cognitive function is still normal, medical treatment or medication is not necessary.
The Most Important Prevention Strategy for Dementia is Early Detection
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are currently incurable. The best approach is to prevent the disease from occurring or to delay its onset as much as possible.
Even though Amyloid-Beta accumulates before symptoms appear and we cannot completely halt its buildup, early detection and intervention can help minimize damage to brain cells.
By detecting the pathology of Alzheimer's disease in advance, we can take proactive steps to prevent dementia symptoms before they manifest through **Lifestyle Modification**. The better you maintain your lifestyle and daily routines, the lower your risk of developing dementia.
5 Key Strategies for Dementia Prevention
**1. Regular Exercise** (Regular Exercise): Exercise at least 3 times per week for a minimum of 10 minutes per session, totaling 150 minutes per week (or 75 minutes if the exercise is high-intensity).
**2. Stimulating Brain Activities** (Brain Activities): Practice brain function exercises, such as reading newspapers, writing journals, learning a new language, or using brain-training applications.
**3. Dietary Control** (Dietary Control): Consume healthy foods like poultry, fish, and whole grains. Reduce the consumption of high-carbohydrate foods and red meat.
**4. Cardiovascular Disease Management** (Cardiovascular Disease Management): Regularly monitor and control blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels.
**5. Socializing** (Socializing): Participate in social activities such as playing sports, talking on the phone, or engaging in religious activities to strengthen the brain.
By taking good care of yourself and reducing various risk factors, you can potentially lower your risk of developing dementia by up to 40%.
Summary of Benefits for Alzheimer's Blood Test Screening
- Can check 10–15 years in advance before symptoms appear.
- Has an accuracy of 86–88%.
- Helps in health planning, prevention, and slowing down brain deterioration.
Alzheimer's Disease Risk Assessment Blood Test (Oligomerized Amyloid Beta: OAB)
- Price 3,800 Baht
Important Notes
- Price covers only the laboratory analysis fee.
- The price does not include doctor's fees or service charges.
- Prices are valid from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
- The hospital reserves the right to change prices without prior notice.
For More Information
- Health Check-up & Vaccine Center, 2nd Floor, Building 1, Tel: 043 002 002 ext. 2504
- Health Information Service Center, ext. 1905
