In Lakewood Ranch, we value being prepared—whether it’s for hurricane season or our long-term health. For years, the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease has been a “wait and see” game, often only confirmed after significant memory loss had already taken hold.
That is changing. A groundbreaking study recently published in Nature Medicine has validated a single blood test that can predict the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms three to four years before they start.
How it Works
The test measures a specific protein in the blood called p-tau217. This protein acts like a “biological clock,” mirroring the silent buildup of amyloid and tau in the brain long before a patient or their family notices the first signs of forgetfulness.
Why This Matters for Our Community
At East County Internal Medicine, Dr. Kunwar emphasizes evidence-based, proactive care. This test offers several advantages over traditional methods:
Accessibility: It replaces the need for expensive PET scans or invasive spinal taps.
Early Intervention: Knowing symptoms are coming allows for earlier lifestyle changes and participation in clinical trials that could slow progression.
Precision: The model predicts symptom onset within a remarkably narrow margin of error.
We aren’t here to sugarcoat the reality of aging, but we are here to give you the tools to face it head-on.
While these tests are currently most common in research settings, they are rapidly moving into primary care.
Ready to prioritize your long-term brain health?
Contact East County Internal Medicine at (941) 727-7771 to discuss your personalized wellness plan.
“An Informed patient, is a Healthier Patient” – Shaan Kunwar DO
eastcountyim.com
941-727-7771