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Blood Test for pTau217 Predicts Early Alzheimer's Progression

4/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Nature Communications study shows that measuring phosphorylated tau 217 (pTau217) in blood could indicate early Alzheimer's disease progression in healthy older adults.
Mass General Brigham led the study, which followed 317 adults over eight years.
Higher pTau217 levels predicted faster Alzheimer's-related brain changes, often before amyloid PET scans showed positive results.
The findings suggest pTau217 could be a crucial biomarker for early detection and risk stratification in Alzheimer's disease.

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Story summary

A Nature Communications study shows that measuring phosphorylated tau 217 (pTau217) in blood could indicate early Alzheimer's disease progression in healthy older adults.
Mass General Brigham led the study, which followed 317 adults over eight years.
Higher pTau217 levels predicted faster Alzheimer's-related brain changes, often before amyloid PET scans showed positive results.
The findings suggest pTau217 could be a crucial biomarker for early detection and risk stratification in Alzheimer's disease.